This question paper consists of [two]
printed pages, each of them identified
by the Code number GERM 251001/351001.

GERM 251001/351001

May/June 2001

Minnesang

Time allowed: two hours
Answer two questions

1        Outline the principal features of any two of the following Minnesang genres, referring to particular poems studied on the course: Tagelied, Botenlied, Wechsel, Kreuzzugslied.

2        Discuss what is meant by ‘hôhiu minne’, and how ‘hôhiu minne’ is reflected in the Minnesang tradition.

3        Write an appreciation of the following poem, referring to points of metrical structure and style as well as content.

          Kaiser Heinrich:

                                    Wol hôher danne rîche     bin ich alle die zît,
sô alsô güetlîche     diu guote bî mir lît.
   si hât mich mit ir tugende
      gemachet leides vrî.

                         5            ich kom ir nie so verre     sît ir jugende,
      ir enwaere mîn staetez herze     ie nâhe bî.

                                    Ich hân den lîp gewendet     an einen ritter guot,
daz ist alsô verendet,     daz ich bin wol gemuot.
   daz nîdent ander vrouwen

                        10               unde habent des haz
   und sprechent mir ze leide,     daz si in wellen schouwen.
      mir geviel in al der welte     nie nieman baz.

4        Write an appreciation of the lyric poetry recorded under the name of any ONE of the following poets, making reference to at least three individual poems: Der von Kürenberg, Friedrich von Hausen, Heinrich von Morungen, Reinmar von Hagenau, Hartmann von Aue, Neidhart von Reuental.

5        ‘Wenn das lyrische Subjekt der “Frauenlieder” eine Frau ist, so bedeutet dies allerdings nicht, daß sie auch von Frauen verfaßt worden sind’ (Kasten). Discuss.

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