Enjeux idéologiques dans Le Conte du Graal de Chrétien de Troyes

This dissertation aims at showing that Chrétien de Troyes' Conte du Graal does not, as often affirmed, uphold traditional chivalrous values, but discloses a problematic ideology, mostly as a result of multiple interactions at the textual level. In order to examine ideology, Le Conte du Graal is analysed in the light of the poetics elaborated by Vincent Jouve in his Poétique des valeurs (2001). Following V. Jouve's concept, two main areas are submitted to analysis. Firstly, values at the local level are considered, by discussing Perceval and Gauvain's perception, speech and adventures. Secondly, the global aspect of the novel is investigated, attention being focused on the narrator's function and overall responsibility.

Analysis of the prologue shows a dynamics of values since Chrétien's patron, the Gospel and the novel are part of a circuit whose aim seems to be to shed light on the value of the novel. Our investigation of the characters perception pleads for the existence of an interaction between Perceval and the narrator, leading to both a tutoring and an evaluation of the inexperienced knight. As to Gauvain, we have shown that even though his perception is clear, he is rendered problematic as a result of the other characters' perception of him. The examination of characters speech shows the occurrence of a dichotomy. Perceval's silence in front of the Grail is argued to be the result of a paradoxical situation since he is expected to both follow and disobey chivalrous rules. The study of Perceval and Gauvain's adventures shows a feeble valorisation of action. Perceval's quest to find the answers concerning the Grail and the lance correspond to an elliptic narration, while Gauvain's adventures seem to be successful as a result of the great number of questions he asks.

Even though a clear ideology is not identifiable in Le Conte du Graal, the study of the global level discloses the importance of the narrator in meddling values. A dissonance, in D. Cohn's terms, is identified between Perceval and the narrator in the Grail episode since the narrator's speech hinders our access to the young knight's own words and thus the disclosure of his values. The narrator is shown to be distant at some other regards, too. He never explains the function and the significance of the lance and of the Grail. Nor does he enlighten us regarding the meaning of Perceval's silence. A certain distance of the narrator towards himself appears since he does not assume a clear responsibility oh his own judgements towards the young knight.

Despite numerous ambiguities and the distance separating us from the time of Le Conte, the novel entitles a participative attitude of the reader, who can easily get involved in the universe of the novel. Following V. Jouve's criteria, it has been shown that, regardless of frequent elements referring to the Middle Ages, Le Conte du Graal favours the creation of an illusion of reality.