Paper on Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer is a major influential figure in the history of English literature. His “Canterbury tales” are read and adapted in order to respond to the expectations to the contemporary reader. His works always figure in the academic schedule of most universities in Europe because of its high literary quality. Chaucers poetry illustrates the bright images of medieval life and I believe, the contemporary interest towards medieval literature should be accompanied by a deeper understanding of this historical period. This paper seeks to investigate some aspects of the life of medieval women as portrayed by Chaucer. “Canterbury tales” with its wide spectrum of storytellers, styles and attitudes, is an ideal source for such an investigation. In Chaucers tales, women are portrayed differently depending on whether the storyteller is a man or a woman. The comparison of these two major viewpoints with all their complexities, shows not only a deep understanding of the human character, but also the aspirations of medieval women. The role of the woman in “Canterbury tales” is strictly defined, usually that of a nun or a mother. However, the stories told by the different female raconteurs are a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and dreams of medieval women that are not completely satisfied with tradition defining their position in society.
In his “Canterbury tales” Chaucer portrays both the female ideal of the Middle Ages and characters that do not entirely fit these ideals but still characters who seek happiness in their own way. This paper briefly goes through the reality of medieval England, showing the position of women at the 14th century and how it relates to Chaucers stories. It explores the connections between the storytellers and their tales illustrating how the story actually discloses the attitudes of its author. Finally, the last part is dedicated to the social concepts and differing attitudes of the