The Scottish Makars
Sponsoring Organization(s)
Special Session
Organizer Name
Ruth Oldman
Organizer Affiliation
Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania
Presider Name
Ruth Oldman
Paper Title 1
Rhetorical Ductus and Middle Scots Aesthetics
Presenter 1 Name
R. James Goldstein
Presenter 1 Affiliation
Auburn Univ.
Paper Title 2
The Aureate Turn and Counter-Diction: Political Implications of Poetic Language from Lydgate to Dunbar
Presenter 2 Name
David Hadbawnik
Presenter 2 Affiliation
Univ. at Buffalo
Paper Title 3
The Makar and the "Ladeis Fair": William Dunbar and the Querelle des Femmes
Presenter 3 Name
Lucy R. Hinnie
Presenter 3 Affiliation
Univ. of Edinburgh
Start Date
16-5-2015 3:30 PM
Session Location
Schneider 1355
Description
Scottish literature is not often considered when studying the later medieval and early modern eras. When it is, select poems by specific poets--such as Robert Henryson or William Dunbar--are chosen to represent an entire dynamic and rich literary tradition. Much of the focus on these authors stems from the understanding they are "Scottish Chaucerians" and their works pay a great debt to the poetic style and influence of Geoffrey Chaucer. This term is limiting, however, as it defines the anthology of these "makars" as extensions of Chaucer's literary style. Much research has also been attributed to the nationalistic fervor of the makars. Understanding the patriotic nature of their works is critical when studying these Scottish authors as it is a common thread in literature, history, politics, and culture. This has also become a recurring theme in scholarly research, however, and has become a common purview when considering these works.
This session is designed to allow scholars to explore the contributions of these Scottish makars outside of the aforementioned realms. Although it is important to recognize these makars as nationalistic and influenced by Chaucer, it is also necessary to branch out from these two dominant scopes of study. The works of the makars can be examined through multiple theoretical and structural lenses, providing rich commentaries on Scottish society and contributing artistically to the medieval literary tradition.
Ruth M.E. Oldman
The Scottish Makars
Schneider 1355
Scottish literature is not often considered when studying the later medieval and early modern eras. When it is, select poems by specific poets--such as Robert Henryson or William Dunbar--are chosen to represent an entire dynamic and rich literary tradition. Much of the focus on these authors stems from the understanding they are "Scottish Chaucerians" and their works pay a great debt to the poetic style and influence of Geoffrey Chaucer. This term is limiting, however, as it defines the anthology of these "makars" as extensions of Chaucer's literary style. Much research has also been attributed to the nationalistic fervor of the makars. Understanding the patriotic nature of their works is critical when studying these Scottish authors as it is a common thread in literature, history, politics, and culture. This has also become a recurring theme in scholarly research, however, and has become a common purview when considering these works.
This session is designed to allow scholars to explore the contributions of these Scottish makars outside of the aforementioned realms. Although it is important to recognize these makars as nationalistic and influenced by Chaucer, it is also necessary to branch out from these two dominant scopes of study. The works of the makars can be examined through multiple theoretical and structural lenses, providing rich commentaries on Scottish society and contributing artistically to the medieval literary tradition.
Ruth M.E. Oldman