In this series we will explore what is known about the life of Geoffrey Chaucer (the “father of English literature”) and we examine, briefly, the social and historical context of a particularly turbulent period in English and European history. Selected tales allow us to savour Chaucer’s poetic achievements. We will enjoy extracts from some of the tales, considering what they tell us about life in England all those many centuries ago, but also what they tell us about how little we may have changed!
Presenter: Judith Coullie, MA, PhD. Learning advisor at the University of Canterbury. Previously Professor of English at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Course Organiser: Paul Harding
18 Sep:‘Introduction’
Dr Coullie will touch on key aspects of 14th Century England and outline what is known about Geoffrey Chaucer’s life.
25 Sep: ‘The Canterbury Tales’
Why is this incomplete work considered to be so important? What were Chaucer’s influences? How does Middle English differ from Modern English? Who are the tellers of the tales?
2 Oct: ‘The Nobility’
The Knight and his son the Squire represent one stratum of the Medieval nobility. What tales do they tell? And what does Chaucer, the narrator, have to say about them?
9 Oct: ‘The Church’
Several of The Canterbury Tales directly critique or explore themes related to the Church, its practices, and its representatives. Chaucer uses these tales to examine both the virtues and vices associated with religious life, offering insight into the corruption, hypocrisy, and genuine devotion found within the medieval Church.
16 Oct: ‘Ordinary Folk’
The “Wife of Bath's Tale” is among the best-known of The Canterbury Tales. It provides insight into the role of women in the Late Middle Ages. The miller is described as a stout and evil churl. The miller claims that his tale is “noble” but reminds the other pilgrims that he is quite drunk and cannot be held accountable for what he says. One of the pilgrims who belongs to the class of “ordinary folk” is the poet and narrator, and we consider the tales told by “Chaucer”, the narrator/pilgrim.