Aucassin and Nicolette: Analysis of Major Characters
"Aucassin and Nicolette" is a medieval tale that explores the themes of love, social status, and the trials faced by its main characters. Aucassin, the son of Count Garin de Beaucaire, is deeply in love with Nicolette, a girl of unknown origins who was raised as the daughter of a captain after being bought from the Saracens. Their love faces significant obstacles, particularly from Aucassin's father, who vehemently opposes their union. Both characters endure imprisonment due to their love and eventually escape, only to be captured by Saracens.
Nicolette's journey takes a pivotal turn when she discovers her royal lineage as the daughter of the King of Carthage, who wishes for her to marry a Saracen king. Despite these pressures, she remains devoted to Aucassin. The story culminates with their reunion in Beaucaire, where they are finally married. The narrative also includes other significant figures, such as Count Garin, who represents the societal constraints against their relationship, and Count Bougars, whose interactions with Aucassin highlight themes of honor and loyalty amid familial conflict. Overall, "Aucassin and Nicolette" encapsulates the enduring power of love against societal and familial opposition.
Aucassin and Nicolette: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: Aucassin et Nicolette, early thirteenth century (English translation, 1880)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Provence, France
Plot: Historical realism
Time: Twelfth century
Aucassin (oh-kah-SAN), the son of Count Garin de Beaucaire. He loves Nicolette, a slave girl bought from the Saracens by a captain who has reared her as his own daughter. Aucassin's father is relentlessly opposed to the marriage, and both Aucassin and Nicolette are imprisoned in the course of the proceedings. At last they run away together and live happily for a time, until they are captured by Saracens. A storm scatters the ships, and the one on which Aucassin is a prisoner drives ashore at Beaucaire, of which he is now count, his parents having died.
Nicolette (nee-koh-LEHT), Aucassin's lover. After the lovers are separated by the Saracens, she reaches Carthage and there learns that she is the daughter of the King of Carthage. He wants her to marry a king of the Saracens, but she remains true to Aucassin. She makes her way to Beaucaire, where they are married at last.
Count Garin de Beaucaire (gah-RAN duh boh-KEHR), father of Aucassin. He is opposed to Nicolette as a daughter-in-law.
Count Bougars de Valence (boo-GAHR deh vah-LAHNS), at war with Count Garin. Having his father's promise to let him see Nicolette on his return from battle, Aucassin fights so fiercely that he captures Count Bougars. When his father refuses to keep the bargain, Aucassin releases Count Bougars and is cast temporarily into a dungeon.
The King of Carthage, who proves to be Nicolette's father.