Abstract
Comparison contributes to shape the text types by adapting to the formal constraints of genres and the principles of speech production, which change over time. It plays several roles in the elaboration of the narrative sequences of Philandre, a chivalric romance composed by Jean des Gouttes and published in 1544. Combining textual linguistics and historical stylistics, this study identifies, describes and analyzes three major figurative procedures performed in the comparative utterances of the romance. The first step is the description of numerous properties that form the basis of the resemblance, the second provides a framework for a more refined and precise identification of these properties and the third evaluates and compares the related elements.