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Courtly love

Courtly love

By Peter Leithart

A former student, Matt Dau, commented on reading David Bentley Hart’s description of postmodernism and the sublime that it seemed very similar to the courtly love tradition - the dominating attraction of one’s life is the inaccessible beauty of the beloved. Judging from Holsinger’s work, that analogy is no accident. Lacan did a psychoanalysis of the courtly love tradition, Bataille edited a poem of chivalry, and de Rougement’s work on the courtly love tradition in the West was studied by the members of the French avant garde of the early twentieth century.

Peter Leithart

Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.

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In Medias Res

Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

Donate

Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.