Domnei · Chapter
III explained
This chapter discusses the concept of domnei, or woman-worship, as the central philosophy of the Melicent-episode.
What happens
This chapter discusses the concept of domnei, or woman-worship, as the central philosophy of the Melicent-episode. It explains domnei as a code of chivalric love, a malady, and a religion that elevates the beloved woman as an intermediary between the lover and God, citing examples from Dante and other medieval amorists. The chapter notes that Nicolas touches on the darker, rebellious side of domnei in his depiction of Demetrios.
Themes in this chapter
Woman-Worship and Domnei
The entire chapter is an exposition of domnei as a code of philosophy, a malady, and a religion, central to the Melicent-episode.
The Nature of True Love
Domnei is presented as a form of love that involves anguish, martyrdom, and the elevation of the beloved to a divine intermediary.
Idealism vs. Cynicism
The chapter contrasts the idealistic service of domnei with its darker, rebellious side, as seen in Demetrios.
Characters to notice
- Perion de la Forêt
Melicent figures toward Perion as an intermediary in the service of domnei.
- Melicent
Melicent is the woman who figures as an intermediary toward Perion and, in a different degree, toward Ahasuerus.
- Ahasuerus
Ahasuerus is apart from the run of humanity; Melicent figures toward him in the service of domnei.
- Demetrios
Nicolas touches on the darker side of domnei in depicting Demetrios.
- Nicolas de Caen
Nicolas is the author of the Melicent-episode and is quoted on domnei; he depicts Demetrios.
Key passages
“The happenings of the Melicent-episode pivot remarkably upon domnei—upon chivalric love, upon the frauendienst of the minnesingers, or upon 'woman-worship,' as we might bunglingly translate a word for which in English there is no precisely equivalent synonym.”
The events of the Melicent story are centered on the concept of domnei, a form of chivalric love or woman-worship that has no exact English equivalent.
Introduces the central theme of domnei.
“Domnei was less a preference for one especial woman than a code of philosophy.”
Domnei was not merely a preference for a particular woman but a comprehensive philosophical system.
Defines domnei as a philosophy rather than simple romantic preference.
“It was a canon of domnei, it was the very essence of domnei, that the woman one loves is providentially set between her lover’s apprehension, and God, as the mobile and vital image and corporeal reminder of heaven, as a quick symbol of beauty and holiness, of purity and perfection.”
A central tenet of domnei is that the beloved woman serves as an intermediary between the lover and God, embodying heavenly qualities.
Explains the theological role of the beloved in domnei.
“It is upon this darker and rebellious side of domnei, of a religion pathetically dragged dustward by the luxuriance and efflorescence of over-passionate service, that Nicolas has touched in depicting Demetrios.”
Nicolas portrays Demetrios as an example of the darker, rebellious aspect of domnei, where excessive passion drags the religion downward.
Connects the theme of domnei to the character Demetrios.