Gawain in Middle English and Middle High German. A Cross Linguistic Study of Nouns and Adjectives in Regard to Semantic Features

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Method

2.1 Choice of Works

2.2 Choice of Word Classes

2.3 Collection of Data

2.4 Evaluation of Data

3. Summaries for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Parzival

3.1 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

3.2 Parzival

4. Gawain in Middle English

4.1 Overview of Expressions in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

4.2 Expressions Used by Gawain

4.3 Expressions Used by Other Characters

4.4 Expressions Used by the Narrator

5. Gawain in Middle High German

5.1 Overview of Expressions in Parzival

5.2 Expressions Used by Gawain

5.3 Expressions Used by Other Characters

5.4 Expressions Used by the Narrator

6. Discussion

6.1 Differences and Similarities in Both Works

6.2 Discussion of the Advantages of a Lexico-Semantic Analysis

7. Conclusion

Research Goals and Themes

This thesis investigates how the character of Gawain is depicted in Middle English and Middle High German literature by analyzing the nouns and attributive adjectives used to characterize him. The primary goal is to determine differences and similarities in his portrayal and to evaluate whether a lexico-semantic analysis provides deeper insights into his characterization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival.

• Comparative analysis of Middle English and Middle High German Arthurian literature.
• Investigation of nouns and adjectives as semantic markers for characterization.
• Examination of self-perception versus external perception of Gawain.
• The influence of the narrator versus minor characters on the hero's image.
• Assessment of lexico-semantic methodology in literary studies.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: Presents the research question regarding the depiction of Gawain in Middle English and Middle High German literature and outlines the scope of the study.

2. Method: Details the criteria for selecting the works and the methodological approach for collecting and evaluating nouns and adjectives.

3. Summaries for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Parzival: Provides essential plot context for both works to facilitate a better understanding of the character analysis.

4. Gawain in Middle English: Analyzes the semantic features assigned to Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by the narrator, the hero himself, and other characters.

5. Gawain in Middle High German: Examines the linguistic characterization of Gawain in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, exploring his roles and how he is perceived by others.

6. Discussion: Compares the findings from both texts and evaluates the effectiveness of a lexico-semantic analysis for literary characterization.

7. Conclusion: Summarizes the major differences in Gawain's portrayal, particularly regarding his self-perception and cultural focus, and suggests avenues for further research.

Key Words

Gawain, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Parzival, Middle English, Middle High German, Lexico-semantic analysis, Arthurian literature, Semantic features, Knight, Characterization, Nouns, Adjectives, Self-perception, Medieval literature, Comparative studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental focus of this research?

The work focuses on a comparative lexico-semantic analysis of the Arthurian character Gawain in two distinct linguistic and cultural contexts: the Middle English Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the Middle High German Parzival.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

Key areas include the linguistic manifestation of nobility, warrior status, kinship, and the contrast between the hero's self-perception and his perception by the narrator and other characters.

What is the primary research question?

The study asks whether Gawain is depicted consistently across different cultures and whether specific nouns and adjectives reveal variations in his characterization, such as his self-downgrading or his role as a warrior.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The thesis utilizes a corpus-based lexico-semantic approach, identifying nouns, adjectives, and appositions, assigning them semantic features, and calculating their distribution to observe patterns in the portrayal of Gawain.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body breaks down the terminology used by the narrator, Gawain himself, and secondary characters, and then performs a comparative analysis of these results between the two works.

Which keywords define this work?

The work is characterized by terms such as Arthurian literature, semantic analysis, characterization, knightly virtues, and comparative linguistics.

How does Gawain's self-perception differ in the two works?

In the Middle English text, Gawain tends to understate his qualities and emphasizes his weaknesses, whereas the Middle High German Gawain displays greater confidence and self-awareness regarding his abilities.

What role does the narrator play in the characterization?

The narrator acts as a primary shaper of Gawain's ideal status, often countering the self-deprecating remarks of the hero or the accusations of minor characters to maintain the image of the noble knight.