Deconstructing Archetypes, Reforming Traditions in Bevis of Hampton

This thesis examines the romantic archetypes in Bevis ofHampton that shift perceptions of tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of social hybridity. An analysis of the monster, the Other, the patriarch and the matriarch concluded that the text opens a ‘contact zone’ to examine English social, and political structures and its involvement with Muslims. The thesis argues that the text deconstructs these archetypes to challenge the traditions of patriarchal dominance and criticize the stereotypes of the Other and their symbolic threat to Christianity during the holy crusade. Furthermore, through the study of the female characters, Josian and Bevis’s mother, the thesis discusses weakening male dominance and control by confronting inappropriate and unjust forced marriages.