The Use of Ye, in the Function of Thou: In Middle English Literature From Ms. Auchinleck to Ms. Vernon, a Study of Grammar and Social Intercourse in Fourteenth-Century England (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover
Synopsis
Unlocking how medieval speakers addressed one another in fourteenth‑century England, this scholarly study explains how pronouns shaped social interaction in Middle English literature.
It shows how a single word carries nuance about rank, friendship, and respect across a range of works and manuscripts.
The book examines multiple texts, including the Auchinleck and Vernon manuscripts, to trace patterns in the use of you and thou. It explains when singular or plural forms appear, what they signal about status, and how translation and manuscript tradition influence these choices. Rich excerpts illustrate why pronoun use varies by context, speaker, and relationship, offering a window into medieval manners and language.- Clear evidence of how pronouns reflect social hierarchy and personal relations
- Close comparisons across several major Middle English texts and manuscripts
- Plain explanations of linguistic shifts from French and within English itself
- Discussion of translator choices and manuscript provenance that illuminate the period’s language practice
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