Abstract
Queer temporality has been studied in relation to the Middle Ages as a means of questioning the prevailing historiography for other modes of connection to the past, such as embodied or affective. Conversely, the other branch of queer temporality has been primarily interested in how queer lifestyles today disrupt the heteronormative plan laid out by society. Joining these modes, Gower’s revision of Narcissus questions our notions of historiography through showing us an example of a queer, transgender character and his struggles with heteronormative expectations—demonstrating that the medieval is not so disconnected from the modern.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Eve Salisbury and Georgiana Donavin for kindly giving me the opportunity to present on this concept with the "Gower and Temporality" panel at the International Congress of Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo, MI in May of 2018. Special thanks to Eve Salisbury for her unflagging enthusiasm, support, and great patience with this, my queerly-timed work. Last, but not least, I want to thank my fiance, Christian, for his constant willingness to act as my sounding board and offer support when I need it most.
Recommended Citation
Wolfer, Lacey M.
(2019)
"Narcissus in Queer Time,"
Accessus: Vol. 5:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/accessus/vol5/iss2/6
Included in
English Language and Literature Commons, European Languages and Societies Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Medieval Studies Commons