Some aspects of Hadewijch's poetic form

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate in detail certain aspects of Hadewijch's poetic form which have never been made the subject of an independent study. While taking into account what has been written on the subject -mostly as part of general studies - my conclusions are the result of independent judgment based on the poems themselves. The introductory chapter is concerned with the meaning of the central concept of the Strofische Gedichten, Minne, and its function in the poems. Various aspects of stanza-structure are then considered, including the variety of stanza-forms and the different types of rhyme: also the use of stress-verse and the musical effect produced by the combination of lines of different numbers of stresses and varying stress-patterns, and of similar and dissimilar sounds. In this connection I also consider the question of whether the songs were set to music. The use of rhetorical techniques to heighten interest or add emphasis is also discussed, paying special attention to different forms of repetition - of words, phrases or ideas - and to the frequent use of contrast and paradox, as well as to less common features such as personification and irony. Considerable study is devoted to the imagery, summarizing and classifying the different types employed and the way in which they are used, and distinguishing between those drawn directly from the troubadour convention and those personal to Hadewijch. Finally, the overall structure of the poems is investigated and two poems analysed in detail. I have tried to demonstrate where relevant the extent to which Hadewijch adheres to troubadour convention or, alternatively, modifies it, and also the manner in which her choice of form, techniques and imagery is governed by her complex character, thus creating great poetry in a largely stereotyped genre.