The Intersection of Transgender Identity and Medieval Literature

The course delves into the intersection of transgender identity and medieval literature, exploring how the concept of gender has evolved over time. By examining texts from the Middle Ages, students will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context in which transgender identities emerged. Key texts studied in the course include: + The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer + The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio + The Metamorphoses by Ovid

The Evolution of Gender in Medieval Literature

Medieval literature often presents complex and nuanced portrayals of gender, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of the time. Students will analyze how these texts represent the fluidity of gender, highlighting the ways in which characters’ identities are shaped by their social context. Examples of fluid gender representation in medieval literature include: + The androgynous characters in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales + The cross-dressing in Boccaccio’s Decameron + The transformation of characters in Ovid’s Metamorphoses

The Significance of Transgender Embodiment in Medieval Literature

The course will explore the significance of transgender embodiment in medieval literature, examining how these texts reflect the societal attitudes towards gender and identity.

The Origins of Sexual and Gender Identities

The concept of sexual and gender identities has been a topic of discussion and exploration for centuries. However, the modern understanding of these identities as we know it today is a relatively recent development. According to Micah Goodrich, an assistant professor of English at Boston University, the origins of sexual and gender identities can be traced back to the 6th century A.D.

The Early Christian Period

During this time, the early Christian church played a significant role in shaping the understanding of sexual and gender identities. The church’s teachings on sexuality and gender were heavily influenced by biblical interpretations and the writings of early Christian theologians. The concept of “sex” as we understand it today did not exist in the same way during this period. Instead, the focus was on the idea of “sexuality” as a spiritual and moral concept. The early Christian church viewed sex as a sinful act, and those who engaged in same-sex relationships were often seen as “unnatural” or “abnormal.”*

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church’s teachings on sexuality and gender continued to shape the understanding of these identities.

The Concept of Chronic Bodies

The concept of “Chronic Bodies” is a central theme in Professor Goodrich’s book manuscript, which explores the idea of how medieval literature represents the human body as a dynamic and transformative entity. This concept is rooted in the idea that the human body is not a fixed or static entity, but rather a dynamic and constantly changing entity that is shaped by various factors such as environment, culture, and personal experiences. The concept of “Chronic Bodies” is closely tied to the idea of “chronicle,” which refers to a written record of events or a narrative that is meant to be remembered and passed down through generations. This concept is also related to the idea of “chronology,” which refers to the study of the sequence of events in time.

Introduction

Queer theory, a subfield of queer studies, has been increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for analyzing medieval literature. By examining the intersections of gender, sexuality, and power, queer theory offers a nuanced understanding of the complex social dynamics that shaped medieval society. In this article, we will explore the potential of queer theory to shed new light on issues like trauma, narrative, and time in medieval literature.

The Intersection of Gender and Sexuality

Queer theory posits that traditional notions of gender and sexuality are not fixed or essential, but rather are socially constructed and subject to change. In medieval literature, this means that characters’ identities and expressions of gender and sexuality are often fluid and context-dependent. For example, in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, the character of the Wife of Bath is a powerful and assertive woman who challenges traditional notions of femininity and marriage. Her use of masculine language and clothing, as well as her willingness to speak her mind and assert her independence, subverts traditional gender norms and offers a queer reading of femininity.