Desiring Bodies: Ovidian Romance and the Cult of Form

Delve into the intricate dance between the physical and societal body with Gregory Heyworth's insightful "Desiring Bodies: Ovidian Romance and the Cult of Form." This First Edition paperback, published by the University of Notre Dame Press in 2009, offers a compelling exploration of how Ovid's *Metamorphoses* profoundly shaped medieval and early modern Western literature and political thought. Heyworth embarks on a literary journey, tracing the enduring influence of Ovidian concepts of body and form as foundational elements in both civic and poetic cohesion. He skillfully examines a diverse array of romances, from the canonical to the unconventional, unveiling the multifaceted ways in which they reflect and refract these fundamental principles. "Desiring Bodies" doesn't merely rehash familiar interpretations; it offers a fresh perspective, prompting readers to reconsider the role of the physical form within the context of social, economic, and political landscapes. The book is strategically divided into two insightful parts. Part 1 navigates the turbulent waters of human desire, specifically as it manifests in the longing to possess, reclaim, shape, or even violate bodies. Through close readings of works such as Marie de Frances *Lais*, Chrtien de Troyes *Cligs* and *Perceval*, and Chaucers *Canterbury Tales*, Heyworth reveals the intricate interplay between these desires and the socio-political realities depicted in the romances. He exposes how these classic texts subtly, yet powerfully, express the nuances of social, economic, and political culture within the romance genre. Part 2 shifts the focus to the intriguing concept of absent or missing bodies. Heyworth masterfully argues that these absences, as witnessed in Petrarchs *Rime sparse*, Shakespeares *Romeo and Juliet*, and Miltons *Paradise Lost*, create generic ruptures within lyric, tragedy, and epic forms, respectively. By analyzing these pivotal literary works, Heyworth unveils the profound impact that the presence or absence of the body has on shaping genre conventions and challenging audience expectations. Throughout "Desiring Bodies," Heyworth enriches his literary analysis by drawing upon the insights of prominent social theorists, including Kant, Weber, Simmel, and Elias. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to forge compelling connections between social and literary forms, offering readers a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between literature and society. Heyworth doesnt just focus on the literary text, but builds a bridge from the text to a broader discussion on how we interact as humans. More than just a literary analysis, "Desiring Bodies" presents itself as a potent work of cultural history. It persuasively argues for Ovid's pervasive influence not only on the poetics of the medieval and early modern periods but also on their political ideologies. This book distinguishes itself as a diachronic and comparative study, standing apart as one of the first of its kind in recent years to extensively explore the development of the Romance Form. For scholars and students of medieval and Renaissance literature, cultural studies, and the history of ideas, "Desiring Bodies" is an essential read. Weighing in at 506 grams and containing 376 pages of insightful scholarship, it offers a substantial and rewarding exploration of the enduring legacy of Ovid and the enduring power of the human form in shaping literature and society. Explore the captivating intersection of literature, history, and the human body with Gregory Heyworth's groundbreaking work.