In the "General Prologue," Chaucer describes the Summoner. He has a 'fire-red face cherubim's face' that is pimpled and disfigured. He is a lecherous man whose hair is falling out, and the mere sight of him brings fear into the hearts of children. He is a drinker of strong wines, and he is a bit … Continue reading Aristotelian Mimesis: The Conflict Between the Friar and the Summoner
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Intentionality in The Friar’s Tale
In his prologue, the Friar is called a "beggar" with a "scowling face at the Summoner." In the "General Prologue" the Friar is characterized as a "wantowne" and "merye" man who dwells within an assigned region. He has a white neck like a 'lily flower,' and he knows great dalliance and fair speech. He is … Continue reading Intentionality in The Friar’s Tale
The Wife of Bath’s Tale: Autobiography and Arthurian Parody
The Wife of Bath is the most famous, albeit the most troubling character in Chaucerian literature. As with other speakers in The Canterbury Tales, we are only given her title at the outset, the "Wife of Bath." Later we learn her name is Alysoun, or she sometimes goes by "Aly" (recall that she shares a … Continue reading The Wife of Bath’s Tale: Autobiography and Arthurian Parody
Thoughts on Years of Grace
I am thoroughly enjoying reading through the Pulitzer-Prize winners. Years of Grace is a delightful novel. It is a surprisingly whimsical and light read for a 600-page book, yet it is sorely lacking in substance. Margaret Ayer Barnes spends a great deal of time describing the world of little Jane Ward; the books she reads, … Continue reading Thoughts on Years of Grace
A Story of “Joy after Woe” in The Man of Law’s Tale
"The Man of Law's Tale" is an episodic story of "Custance" (or Constance) that can be found in the Anglo chronicles of Nicholas Trivet, as well as in the poetry of John Gower. In his tale, The Man of Law presents the group with a more virtuous tale after the bawdy tales from both the … Continue reading A Story of “Joy after Woe” in The Man of Law’s Tale
On Clement’s Letter to the Corinthians
Clement of Alexandria is rumored to have been a disciple of Peter. He was from Alexandria, Egypt and later became the representative, or "bishop," of Rome, holding that office from about 88 AD until his death in 99 AD (per Tertullian). He was praised among many of the early Christian church leaders. Clement is considered … Continue reading On Clement’s Letter to the Corinthians
