Chaucer, the pilgrim, is the only member of the group who is allowed to present a second tale on the way to Canterbury. He delivers his second tale following the failure of his minstrel song, "The Tale of Sir Thopas." The second tale is told in prose form. It is about a rich man named … Continue reading Deprivation and Excess in The Tale of Sir Thopas and The Tale of Melibee
poetry
On The (Interrupted) Squire’s Tale
Next, the Host calls forth the Squire and he asks him, if it be his will, to tell a tale about love. In the "General Prologue," we learn that the Squire is the son of the Knight. He is "a lovyere and a lusty bacheler" (80) with curly locks of hair. Chaucer suspects he is … Continue reading On The (Interrupted) Squire’s Tale
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 Story of Jerome’s Vulgate
Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius, or "Jerome," is likely the most significant Biblical translator in history. He was born in northeast Italy in 345, and by the time he was 29, Jerome had become a devout and ascetic Christian. He claims to have had a dream chastising him for being a follower of Cicero, not of Christ. … Continue reading The Story of Jerome’s Vulgate
What is Love in the Symposium?
Plato’s famous dialogue, the Symposium, takes place the day after the tragic poet, Agathon, wins his first and only award at the Lenaia in 416 BC, the year before Alcibiades’s failed quest to Sicily. The dramatic setting occurs among a group of Athenians gathered at Agathon’s house in Athens to celebrate his victory. The party is … Continue reading What is Love in the Symposium?
Aristotle, Oedipus, and Greek Tragedy
There has been a longstanding debate, dating back to Aristotle, regarding the purpose, or telos, of a tragedy, and whether or not the "tragic" element is the result of is the result of a unique or particular character flaw stemming from the central protagonist. In other words, is Oedipus, indeed, a flawed human being who has brought about … Continue reading Aristotle, Oedipus, and Greek Tragedy
