The Old French Fabliaux : Essays on Comedy and Context

This collection of 13 critical essays examines short comedic tales from the 13th and 14th centuries, commonly known as the medieval French fabliaux. Each essay focuses on a different aspect of common fabliaux humor, as illustrated by a scholarly analysis of one or several original texts. This title covers topics such as: the frequent use of bacon as humorous symbolism; the use of comedic rhyme; and the common ""virgin miracle"" tale. Throughout, contributors attempt to provide a serious analysis of the fabliaux without losing sight of the tales' original comedic content and appeal.