Mention the Medieval and Modern Elements from Your Study of Chaucer’s Poems.

Answer

Mention the medieval and modern elements from your study of Chaucer’s poems. 

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400) is often called the “Father of English literature.” He lived during the medieval period but had a significant impact that still resonates today. His most famous work, “The Canterbury Tales”, blends elements from the medieval world and more forward-thinking, modern ideas. Let us look at these medieval and modern aspects.

Medieval Elements: We get sundry medieval elements after scanning Caucer’s poetry. Let us discuss these elements in the following manner.

Feudal System and Social Classes: In Chaucer’s time, society was structured in a strict hierarchy. This feudal system is reflected in “The Canterbury Tales.” For example, there are characters like the Knight, who represents the noble class, and the Plowman, who represents the lower working class. Chaucer writes, 

A Knight there was, and that a worthy man,

It highlights the respect and honour given to knights in medieval society.

Religion: Religion played a central role in medieval life, evident in Chaucer’s work. Many characters like the Prioress and the Pardoner are associated with the Church. The pilgrims are on a religious journey to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Chaucer describes the Prioress: 

And she was cleped madame Eglentyne.

It shows her religious title and status.

Chivalry and Courtly Love: Chivalry was the code of conduct for knights. It emphasizes bravery, honour, and respect for women. Courtly love was a medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry. “The Knight’s Tale,” one of the stories in “The Canterbury Tales,” is a perfect example. In “Troilus and Criseyde” (1385), Troilus is struck with Cupid’s arrow. Chaucer states,

For sodeynly he hit him at the full;

He falls in love with Criseyde. This is a courtly love. 

Medieval Superstitions and Medicine: The medieval period was also marked by various superstitions and rudimentary medical practices. Characters like the Doctor in “The Canterbury Tales” reflect the limited understanding of science at the time. Chaucer writes, 

“He knew the cause of everich maladye,“ 

It shows that the Doctor’s knowledge, though advanced for the time, was still based on medieval beliefs and practices. In “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” we get the conversational verse between Chaunticleer and Pertelote. They talk about dreams that refer to superstitions.

Modern Elements: We also get sundry modern elements after scanning Caucer’s poetry. Let us discuss these elements in the following manner.

Individualism and Personal Stories: Unlike many earlier works, “The Canterbury Tales” is notable for focusing on individual stories and personal experiences. It reflects their personality and life. This individualism is a more modern concept. For instance, the Wife of Bath’s Prologue provides a detailed, personal account of her five marriages. It shows a modern interest in personal identity and experience. 

Critique of the Church: While medieval society was deeply religious, Chaucer was critical of the Church’s corruption and hypocrisy. It is a more modern perspective. The Pardoner, who sells fake relics, is a clear example. Chaucer writes, 

For in his male he hadde a pilwe-beer,

Which that he seyde was Oure Lady veyl;

It mocks the Pardoner’s fraudulent claims.

Social Commentary: Chaucer’s work includes realistic portrayals of everyday people and their lives. This realism and social commentary are more characteristic of modern literature. We know this from “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.”

Humour and Satire: Chaucer’s use of humour and satire to address serious issues is a modern technique. He pokes fun at societal norms, the Church, and even the concept of pilgrimage. The tales often include witty remarks and humorous situations.

In conclusion,  Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” masterfully combines elements of medieval society with more modern ideas and storytelling techniques. This blend provides a vivid picture of medieval life and introduces concepts and critiques that are relevant even today.