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Classical and Medieval Influences on
Chaucer's Fabliau Comedy
by
Kathleen A. Bishop
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of English
New York University
January, 1998
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UMI Number: 9819749
Copyright 1998 by
Bishop, Kathleen A.
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® Kathleen A. Bishop
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For Robert R. Raymo
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V
Acknowledgments
The idea for this dissertation was first conceived
a number of years ago in a graduate seminar on Chaucer's
fabliaux given by my mentor Professor Robert R. Raymo. I
would like to express my gratitude to a number of people
who have supported me in this venture.
First, I would like to thank my colleagues and
friends at the General Studies Program at New York
University and in the English Department at Manhattan
College for their constant reassurances that I would in
fact one day complete this study. Additionally, I must
salute my students, past and present, for giving me daily
proof that ancient and medieval literature is indeed
relevant and fun. I thank also two early influences on me
in my undergraduate studies, Professors Steven Rosen and
John Benson of St. Peter's College, who opened up the
worlds of English and Classical literature to me. I also
pay tribute to my very learned teacher and advisor on my
Master's thesis at New York University, the late
Professor Jess Bessinger.
Recognition and congratulations must also go to my
brilliant compatriots, Ruth Sternglantz, Ethna Lay, and
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vi
Ellen Bakalian, all of whom are concurrently completing
their journeys with me. My friend, Nancy Barnicle, was
invaluable to me both personally and technologically, and
Karen Mruk has been endlessly supportive of me in every
way possible. Thanks must also go to my parents who have,
I can only imagine, been wondering what it is I have been
doing for so long.
Additionally, I am grateful to Professors Evelyn
Birge Vitz and David Hoover for graciously agreeing to
read this dissertation and give me the benefit of their
guidance under such difficult time constraints. Finally,
I want to thank my advisor Professor Robert Raymo for
being such an inspiration to me over the years, both as
teacher and scholar. Anything of value in this study is
no doubt due to his profound erudition and boundless
patience, and therefore I dedicate this dissertation to
him.
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Table of Contents
Dedication Page iv
Acknowledgments v
Introduction 1
I. The Fabliau: A Survey of Critical Reception 8
II. Historical Attitudes Toward Comedy 51
III. The Nature of Chaucer's Fabliau Comedy 90
IV. The Function of Chaucer's Fabliau Comedy 199
V. "Other Fabliaux" 215
Conclusion 248
Bibliography 255
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