This thesis investigates the usage of the well-used but little researched descriptio puellae, a form of describing women that was used in medieval literature around Europe. The form is regularly...Show moreThis thesis investigates the usage of the well-used but little researched descriptio puellae, a form of describing women that was used in medieval literature around Europe. The form is regularly assumed to be written from top to bottom; starting with the woman's hair and ending with her hips, hands, or sometimes, feet. This thesis looks at how accurate this assumption is and also explores derivative forms of the descriptio puellae, such as the description of male characters (descriptio pueri) and the descriptions of feminine "subversive" characters that do not directly satisfy the feminine standards associated with the medieval status quo.Show less
