John Skelton's Phyllyp Sparowe As Satire: A Revaluation
This reassessment of Phyllyp Sparowe argues that the poem, contrary to previous scholarly consensus, is a satire reflecting the debates between the humanists and conservative Catholics on the issue of liturgical reform. It attacks the extreme position of those denouncing religious ritual and espousi...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Sixteenth Century Journal Publishers, Inc.
1991
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| In: |
The sixteenth century journal
Year: 1991, Volume: 22, Issue: 2, Pages: 215-231 |
| Online Access: |
Presumably Free Access Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | This reassessment of Phyllyp Sparowe argues that the poem, contrary to previous scholarly consensus, is a satire reflecting the debates between the humanists and conservative Catholics on the issue of liturgical reform. It attacks the extreme position of those denouncing religious ritual and espousing the study of the classics as an alternative to prayer. The counterpoint between the liturgical framework of the poem and Jane's wandering thoughts serves as a commentary on the inefficacy of both affective devotions and classical studies as a substitute means of achieving spirituality. Skelton agrees that affective devotion inspired religious hysteria on the one hand and sacrilege on the other. The parodies of popular carols and hymns he employs in his description of Jane Scrope show that the language of fine amour should be returned to its rightful place - secular art forms. That Jane ultimately finds solace in the traditional liturgy illustrates Skelton's conservative Catholic stance. |
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| ISSN: | 2326-0726 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: The sixteenth century journal
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/2542733 |