Abstract:

Abstract “La Male Regle” is one of Thomas Hoccleve’s autobiographical poems in which the poet displays not only humour but also self-confrontation. Listing all his follies, which are attributed to his youth, the persona stands out as a “self” that has transformed from being the “other” that has committed many sins. In this way, the persona of “La Male Regle,” also named Hoccleve, exhibits a complaint of the “other” self with a confessional tone. Moreover, the poem highlights not just the process but also the reasons of othering his self, which reveals the social dimension of identity. Othering stands out as the outcome of social impositions and religious doctrines on masculine identity. Unveiling the social aspect of masculinity, “La Male Regle” demonstrates identity to be performed, shaped and acknowledged in the society in which it is situated. Using his poem as a textual platform for othering, Hoccleve displays the influence of society on one’s identity formation and protecting reputation in the community. Therefore, the aim of this article is to analyse Hoccleve’s “La Male Regle” as a reflection of Hoccleve’s confrontation with his self that is othered by his follies. In this way, the article aims at presenting a discussion of Hoccleve’s poetics of the self and/as the othered self in his “La Male Regle.”

Keywords: