Intention and achievement in La Vie De Saint Thomas Becket by Guernes De Pont-Sainte-Maxence

Abstract

It is hoped to establish the motives and intentions of Guernes in undertaking his poem, to evaluate his success in fulfilling his ambitions. Chapter one outlines the historical background to the dispute between Henry II and Thomas Becket; in composing this chapter no attempt has been made to exclude any historical details which may originate from Guernes' poem, or from works which Guernes may have consulted. The aim here is to give a balanced picture of events, and to this end modern historians as well as mediaeval sources have been consulted. This may lead to accusations of historical impurity in subsequent chapters, but it leaves the question of Guernes' sources open for discussion; this is a more important consideration in this study. Chapter two discusses the dating and sources of Guernes' poem, and considers the evidence and significance of the fragments of the first draft of the poem, recently discovered. Chapter three attempts to establish the intentions of the poet, by examining his own statements in the poem and attempting to establish to what degree they may be religious, devotional, panegyrical, historical or political. In chapters four to eight the poet's treatment of his material studied; chapters four, five and six are concerned predominantly with the figure of Thomas Becket, chapter seven with King Henry II and King Louis VII, chapter eight with the remaining figures in the poem. Where appropriate the poet's treatment is compared and contrasted with that of his sources, and with the surviving fragments of the first draft. Consideration is also given to Guernes’ consciousness of his audience and to how this may have influenced his treatment of material. In chapter nine the poet's achievement and his success in fulfilling his stated ambitions are evaluated.