Geoffrey Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales Flashcards
Why didn’t the Norse language survive?
After the Norman Conquest of 1066 (led by William I of England), Normans settled in Northern France, abandoned their language, and adopted French.
How did the Normans contribute to the English language?
Roughly 10,000 words in the Englihs lexicon originated from the Normans. These words include certain prefixes and suffixes and are mainly about government, nobility, and law.
How was the Norman society influenced by Anglo-Norman language?
French names were used for people and things.
For instance, regular traders used English names like baker and shoemaker, while skilled traders used French names like mason and painter.
Animals had English names like sheep and cow when alive, but when cooked, they got French names like mutton and beef.
Was language political during the Middle English Period?
Yes. English had no official status and was considered the third language even in its own country. The upper classes communicated through Latin and French while English was mainly used by the uneducated peasantry. In addition, it was mainly spoken rather than written due to social issues.
Who is Geoffrey Chaucer and why is his works prominent?
Chaucer is considered the “Father of English Literature.”
His works were influential because, despite French and Latin being the languages of the educated upper class, he chose to write them in English to make them more accessible.
In one sentence, provide a premise of “The Canterbury Tales”.
“The Canterbury Tales” satirically portrays Medieval Society through a variety of tales told by a diverse group of pilgrims on a religious journey.
Why did Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” stand out compared to his other works?
The Canterbury Tales is regarded as a literary masterpiece from the Middle Ages due to its use of humor to depict the social issues of that time, as well as its significant role in popularizing the English language.
How did Chaucer develop the characters in the Canterbury Tales?
- He used realistic characters from existing classes to portray the Feudal Sysem.
- His vivid description of each character reflected on Middle English society.
- Observed the clothing of each character. This revealed their social status.
Where did the pilgrims first meet during their trip?
They stayed at the Tabard Inn.
Where did the pilgrims intend to go?
They intended to go to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury.
What was Medieval society like when Chaucer wrote “The Canterbury Tales”?
- Those within the Church who held religious power were often corrupt and neglectful of their responsibilities.
- Internal disputes stemming from the strong sense of nationalism among the population due to the prolonged war between England and France.
- Peasants were engaged in uprisings due to their dissatisfaction with the unjust social hierarchy.
How did Chaucer satirize Medieval society?
His diverse characters represented different aspects of Medieval Society. He used humor and irony to mock their flaws and criticize the social issues during his time, particularly the corruption within the Catholic Church.
How does Chaucer criticize the Church in “The Canterbury Tales”?
The pilgrimage was meant to be a religious experience, but the pilgrims see it more as a vacation or an adventure. Furthermore, Chaucer presents the hypocrisy and the abuse of power within the Church through characters like the Monk or the Friar. The Monk was supposed to express his faith through isolation, he indulges in hunting. The Friar, who is thought of as a holy man, is actually a greedy hypocrite.
How is competition portrayed in “The Canterbury Tales”?
While the storytelling competition was originally intended as a friendly and entertaining way for the pilgrims to engage with each other, it ended up sparking rivalries and a strong desire to outdo each other in storytelling prowess. This exposes the values and excessive egos of the characters, which Chaucer humorously mocks.
How is courtly love portrayed in “The Canterbury Tales”?
Love and passion were both idealized and parodied in “The Canterbury Tales”. The knight’s tale presents two noble knights competing for the love of a young maiden. Their love exhibits both chivalry and gallantry. On the other hand, love is portrayed as crude and foolish in the Miller and the Nun’s Priest’s tales.
