Visual power and fame in René d'Anjou, Geoffrey Chaucer, and the Black Prince

by Sunhee Kim Gertz

"Reading semiotically against the backdrop of medieval mirrors of princes, Arthurian narratives, and chronicles, this study examines how René d'Anjou (1409-1480), Geoffrey Chaucer's House of Fame (ca. 1375-1380), and Edward the Black Prince (1330-1376) explore fame's visual power. While very different in approach, they all three reject the classical suggestion that fame is bestowed; challenge or nuance the attraction held by the unpredictable goddess; and understand that particularly in positions of leadership, it is necessary to communicate effectively with audiences in order to secure...