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geoffrey chaucer
father of english literature, exact age isn't known, but he lived through two of the black plagues, grew up in the court and wrote down what he saw, so apparently thats supposed to mean he's a good writer. we know he died in 1400
chaucer the pilgrim
naive, pretending not to see the faults in others
chaucer the writer
sarcastic and mocks the pilgrims, but does it in a subtle manner
the knight character description
noble and experienced knight, fought in many battles. He is the ideal knight (modest, honorable, chivalrous). However, he hints at violence behind knighthood
the squire character description
focused more on courtly love than fighting, is the knight's son, and is young. More interested in impressing women than going to war, and enjoys poetry, music, dancing and other forms of art. (loves clothes too)
madame eglantine (the prioress) character description
tries too hard to act like a courtly lady than a religious figure. She is vain, which chaucer hints at. She is overly concerned with delicate and refined table manners, wordly beauty, and social status. She is a contradiction of true piety
the monk character description
ignores and rejects traditional monastic rules. He prefers hunting, fine clothes, rich food that are worldly concerns. He does not find the value of studying and praying inside, saying that those traditionsa re outdated. He is a clear symbol of religious corruption
the friar character description
manipulative and charistmatic churchman who takes money in exchange for absoltuion. He is corrupt, does not help the poor, and spends most of his time in taverns
the wife of bath character description
married 5 times, skilled in love and relationships, challenges gender roles, debates about marriage and power. (dr c loves this one because she represents the complex role of women in medieval society)
the parish priest (parson)
good and virtuous pilgrim, practices what he preaches, believes clergy should lead by example. shows that there is corruption in the church, but there is still good
the pardoner
sells fake relics and indulgences, prays on peoples fears to generate wealth. Has an effeminate appearance, waxy yellow hair, his description is meant to put the reader at unease. This adds to his sense of deception and manipulation
the barman character description
proposes a storytelling contest, shrewed businessman, ensuring the journey remains entertaining and engaging. he is the owner of the tabard inn
chaucer the writer's irony allows him to expose
hypocrisy, corruption, and foolishness without directly attacking people (dr c loves chaucer for this, thinks he's super clever)
where was chaucer born
london
chaucer is from a middle-class family, meaning he was
well educated, fluent in multiple languages, exposed to a wide variety of european literature and ideas
significance of chaucer's writing
written in middle english, not in french or latin (middle english was the vernacular, it was considered a lesser language than french or latin)
canterbury tales description
24 stories on the pilgrimage to the shrine of st thomas becket in canterbury; left unfinished
chaucer uses the pilgrims to show people from different
social classes, professions, and backgrounds.
themes of canterbury tales
corruption in the church, love, greed, class struggles, religious devotion
chaucer often uses satir to criticize aspects of society, especially the ______. he also highlights ______ and flaws of his characters
Clergy; hypocrisy
the pilgrims of chaucer are meant to represent a (...); chaucer expands into each character by providing them with
sterotype/social role of society; complexity and nuance
