Jurgen · Chapter
Epigraph explained
The epigraph introduces Jurgen, an old man who regained his youth through an old wife and obtained a fiery shirt for jesting, yet never achieved his desire in any land or condition.
What happens
The epigraph introduces Jurgen, an old man who regained his youth through an old wife and obtained a fiery shirt for jesting, yet never achieved his desire in any land or condition.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because Jurgen’s calm, rational dismissal of his father Coth’s lifelong guilt—redu…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Search for Meaning and Desire
The epigraph highlights Jurgen's unfulfilled desire despite his regained youth and magical shirt.
- Aging and Youth
Jurgen's transformation from an old man to youth is central to the epigraph.
Characters to notice
- Jurgen
Mentioned as the subject of the epigraph, an old man who regained youth and obtained a bright shirt but never fulfilled his desire.
Key passages
“Of Jurgen eke they maken mencioun, That of an old wyf gat his youthe agoon, And gat himselfe a shirte as bright as fyre Wherein to jape, yet gat not his desire In any countrie ne condicioun.”
They also mention Jurgen, who regained his lost youth from an old wife and obtained a shirt as bright as fire for jesting, yet never achieved his desire in any country or condition.
The epigraph summarizes Jurgen's story of gaining youth and a magical shirt but failing to attain his true desire.
