ヘンリソンの四季

Abstract

Robert Henryson, a Scottish Chaucerian poet in the fifteenth century, often gives in his works elaborate depictions of the Scottish landscape, especially of the four seasons of Scotland. In this essay the author, who has just finished his Japanese translation of Henryson's whole work's tries to introduce the Scottih nature presented by the poet, quoting as many passages from his works as possible. The author also tries to explain some features of Henryson's depiction of nature in comparison with that of Chaucer, who the poet loves and respects as agreat poet. The difference between the two poet is, clearly to say, that Henryson thinks highly of real and vivid presentation of nature and often aims at the depiction of nature itself while of the contrary Chaucer sets in the work his presentation of nature rather as functional elements. Henryson's attitude to nature is like that of farmers in his days while Chaucer's is refined and sophisticated. Another aim of this essay is to think what Henryson's presentation of nature has to do with his work. His Testament of Cresseid is a good example where a season plays an important part in the work and adds an unsaid but deep meaning to the work. Henryson, who doubts the ending Chaucer gave at the finale of Troilus and Criseyde, give the cruel punishment to Cresseid (Criseyde) who cursed gods after she was deserted by Diomede, the new Gredek lover. The Testament ends at her lonely death as 'leper'. Seemingly, this work, as many critics say, has no hope. But the season, Lent, for the background of the work suggests the renewal of Cresseid's life and love, which gives the readers some hope.