An examination of the theme of misogyny in Hartmann’s romance Erec.
This paper reviews Hartmann’s rmedieval poem “Erec” and concentrates on the ways in which the praise of women does not preclude misogyny. It argues that certain modes of praise could be construed as misogynistic by framing woman as passive exchange objects or complements to male heroism. It also analyzes references to femininity as a negative counterpoint to masculinity in relation to a sense of anxiety in medieval texts about defining ideal masculinity. Further to this, it includes a short structural analysis of Arthurian romance with a view to associating agency and interest with masculinity in contrast to the passive, complementary status of the woman in the romance.
“As the first female character to be described in any detail in Erec, Enite certainly seems to attract attention to herself. As in Chretien’s version, many verses are devoted to description of her beauty, and Hartmann provides a few new images for this description, describing her white skin showing through her tattered robe as like the lily growing under thorns. We are also told that her wisdom surpasses her great beauty and from what we see of her, it is clear that she is a very efficient and obedient daughter to her father. Interest in a woman does not, however, preclude misogyny, and in a sense, nor does praise – it depends on the context in which the praise is set, and how it positions the woman in relation to men. Enite, though flawless in the terms in which she is described, is given little agency or individuality of her own: her existence and perfection are defined by men.”