Overview
This doctoral thesis, submitted by Jessica Ann Coulson to the University of East Anglia, delves into the complex and mutable representations of the "living dead" within medieval English literature. The study argues that the inherent instability of these figures necessitates a holistic approach to their analysis.
The research challenges conventional dichotomies in medieval studies, such as 'life/death' and 'corporeal/incorporeal,' by examining how categories like 'revenants,' 'saints,' and 'ghosts' function as interpretative obstacles. By moving beyond these established boundaries, the thesis seeks to uncover new connections and provide a more nuanced understanding of the role and significance of the living dead in medieval narratives.
Key Themes Explored
- The destabilization of boundaries between life and death.
- The fluid nature of medieval understandings of death.
- Narrative patterns and motifs associated with the living dead.
- The interplay of credulity and creativity in storytelling.
- Thematic organization of literary elements, including bodies, remains, animals, elements, and senses.
Methodology and Scope
The thesis employs a thematic approach, analyzing literary elements across six chapters. It investigates representations of the living dead through their physical forms, their remnants, their association with animals, elemental forces, and sensory experiences. The study draws upon a wide range of medieval texts to reconstruct a culturally diverse repertoire of storytelling elements.
