Word Order in Goscelin and Folcard: Implications for the Attribution of the <i>Vita Ædwardi regis </i>and Other Works

Abstract

This article examines how Goscelin and Folcard use constructions in which the verb is placed between two grammatically-linked words. Statistics are produced for each author, showing that there is a large stylistic difference between the two: Folcard uses such constructions far more frequently than Goscelin. Not only authenticated but also attributed works are studied. An examination of the Vita Ædwardi regis produces statistics that are consistent with attributing it to Folcard. It is shown that Goscelin is unlikely to have been the author. Finally, a work by Folcard is used as a sample to test the hypothesis that rhythm or rhyme played a part in Folcard’s tendency to use these constructions. It is concluded that Folcard was not trying to produce the prose rhythms found in cursus and quantitative clausulae. Instead, a possible connection with the presence of rhymes is demonstrated.