U NET : NET SET PHD EXAM: Geoffrey Chaucer

🔑 NET Exam Prep Tip: Dive into Geoffrey Chaucer’s World 🌍

Chaucer is a cornerstone of English literature and essential for the NET Exam. Whether you’re studying for English Literature or honing your literary analysis skills, understanding his works is key to acing your exam!

Basic Information about Geoffrey Chaucer

Born: c. 1343, London, England
- Chaucer was born into a middle-class family, the son of a wine merchant.
Died: October 25, 1400, London, England
- Chaucer passed away during the reign of King Henry IV.
Reign during his life:
- King Edward III (1327–1377)
  - Chaucer’s early life was spent during the reign of Edward III, under whom England experienced the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death.
- King Richard II (1377–1399)
  - Chaucer served as a civil servant under King Richard II, holding several important administrative positions. Richard II’s reign was marked by political turmoil, including peasant uprisings and struggles for power.
- King Henry IV (1399–1413)
  - Chaucer died in the early years of King Henry IV’s reign, which followed Richard II's deposition.

Notable Events and Context

Civil Servant: Chaucer worked for both Edward III and Richard II in various government roles, including customs comptroller and clerk of the king’s works. His career as a civil servant provided him with financial stability and access to courtly life.
Marriage: Chaucer married Philippa Roet, who was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Philippa, Edward III’s wife. This marriage connected Chaucer to the royal court and helped shape his literary career.
Chaucer's Influence:
- As a writer, Chaucer is often referred to as the "father of English literature" because of his innovative use of the English language, which was still evolving from Middle English to the form we recognize today.
- His works, particularly The Canterbury Tales, reflect his deep understanding of human nature and society, capturing both the nobility and the common people of his time.
Death:
- Chaucer’s death in 1400 was during the reign of King Henry IV, after Richard II had been overthrown. This was a period of political instability in England, following the deposition of Richard II and the rise of Henry IV.

Key works to focus on:

The Canterbury Tales 📜
A collection of 24 stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, covering a range of characters and social classes. It’s an excellent text to explore Chaucer’s humor, character study, and social commentary. Don’t miss the tales of the Knight, the Miller, and the Wife of Bath!
Troilus and Criseyde 💔
This tragic love story, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, is known for its sophisticated narrative style and deep exploration of human emotion.
The Book of the Duchess 📖
Chaucer’s first major work, dealing with themes of loss and mourning, written in an allegorical and dream-vision style.
The Parliament of Fowls 🦅
A poem exploring the themes of love and the natural world, famous for the idea of love being a divine decision, where birds choose their mates.

1. The French Period (c. 1360–1372)

During this period, Chaucer was heavily influenced by the French courtly tradition and the works of French poets, especially the romances of love, chivalry, and courtly behavior. This period reflects his early experiments with poetry, mostly focusing on themes of love and chivalric ideals.

The Book of the Duchess (c. 1369)
Written in the French style of courtly love, it is Chaucer’s first major poem, expressing grief and loss over the death of Blanche, the wife of John of Gaunt.
The Parliament of Fowls (c. 1382–1386)
Influenced by the French tradition of allegorical poetry, particularly the works of poets like Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun, this poem uses birds as metaphors to explore the theme of love.
The Complaint of the Black Knight (c. 1370s)
A narrative poem influenced by the French love tradition, focusing on unrequited love and personal suffering.
The Legend of Good Women (c. 1380–1385)
A series of stories about virtuous women from classical mythology and history, demonstrating Chaucer's debt to French romance traditions.

2. The Italian Period (c. 1372–1378)

During this period, Chaucer’s exposure to Italian poets such as Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio had a profound influence on his style and thematic choices. He began to explore more complex narratives, incorporating elements of realism and allegory.

Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1385)
A work heavily influenced by Boccaccio’s Filostrato, this tragic romance about love and betrayal set during the Trojan War is one of Chaucer's most acclaimed works.
The House of Fame (c. 1379–1380)
A dream vision poem that draws on the ideas of fame and reputation, influenced by Dante's Divine Comedy and other Italian allegorical works.
The Book of the Duchess (c. 1369)
While this is part of his French period, Chaucer's exposure to Italian literature, particularly Dante's Divine Comedy, would have deepened his engagement with themes of grief and divine intervention.
The Complaint of Chaucer to His Purse (c. 1399)
Though a shorter work, its directness and tone can reflect the influence of Italian poetry's simpler, more personal style.

3. The English Period (c. 1378–1400)

In this period, Chaucer fully embraced the use of the English vernacular, creating works that reflect the richness of English society, its diversity, and its complexities. He blends both French and Italian influences but focuses primarily on English life and characters.

The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387–1400)
Chaucer’s magnum opus, this collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims as they travel to Canterbury represents the height of his English period. The tales cover a wide range of themes, from love and morality to social satire, and showcase Chaucer’s mastery of the English language.

Why Chaucer is important for NET:

Language & Style: Study Chaucer’s use of Middle English and his influence on the development of the English language.
Themes & Characters: Understand how Chaucer reflects the social, religious, and political issues of his time.
Literary Techniques: Focus on his use of allegory, satire, and character-driven storytelling.

The Canterbury Tales is Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous and influential work. It was written between 1387 and 1400 and consists of a collection of 24 stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The tales reflect a wide range of social classes, professions, and personalities, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval life.

Basic Information about The Canterbury Tales:

Narrative Structure: The pilgrims gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, before starting their journey to Canterbury. They agree to tell stories to entertain each other during the trip, and the best story will be awarded a free meal at the end of the journey.
Themes: The tales cover a variety of themes such as love, morality, greed, corruption, religious hypocrisy, and social justice, often with Chaucer's characteristic humor and satire.
Language: Written in Middle English, it’s one of the first major works of literature to be written in the vernacular, rather than in Latin or French.
Pilgrims: The group of pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales represents a wide spectrum of medieval society, from knights and clergy to tradespeople and common folk.

The General Prologue

This is the introductory section of The Canterbury Tales, where Chaucer sets the scene for the pilgrimage and introduces the pilgrims. He describes the pilgrims in detail, not only based on their appearance but also their personalities, making it a critical part of the work that highlights the social classes and moral dispositions of medieval society.

1. The Knight

Appearance: The Knight is described as a modest and noble figure. He is dressed in a simple tunic stained from battle and has a worn appearance due to his long travels. His physical appearance is not heavily emphasized, as his status as a knight takes precedence.
Personality: He is chivalrous, humble, and honorable, having fought in numerous crusades and battles. He is respected by all the pilgrims for his valor and virtue.

2. The Squire

Appearance: The Squire is a youthful, attractive young man, with curly hair and a modest yet well-fitted attire. He is described as being elegant and fashionable, with fine clothing and a fresh, youthful demeanor.
Personality: He is a romantic, devoted to courtly love. He is a skilled knight in training, but his behavior leans toward youthful vanity and charm, with a passion for music and poetry.

3. The Prioress (Madame Eglantine)

Appearance: The Prioress is a woman of refined beauty, dressed in fine clothes. She is described as having a graceful, delicate appearance, with a large forehead (which Chaucer humorously claims is a sign of beauty) and a neat, well-groomed appearance.
Personality: She is genteel and concerned with her manners, showing great care for animals, especially her pet dogs, and enjoys material luxuries. Despite her religious position, she is depicted as somewhat concerned with worldly concerns and social status.

4. The Monk

Appearance: The Monk is described as a portly, hearty man, dressed in rich, expensive robes. His appearance contrasts with the traditional image of a monk, as he is fond of hunting and enjoys a lavish lifestyle.
Personality: He is jovial, wealthy, and more interested in pleasure than in the strict religious duties of his position. He enjoys fine food, hunting, and luxury, reflecting the corruption within the Church at the time.

5. The Friar (Hubert)

Appearance: The Friar is described as a well-fed, festive man, dressed in a fine cloak and carrying a lute. His clothing suggests wealth and vanity, which is in contrast to his supposed vow of poverty.
Personality: He is manipulative and deceitful, using his position to exploit others for his own benefit. He is skilled at obtaining money through charitable donations, which he often spends on himself.

6. The Merchant

Appearance: The Merchant is well-dressed in a colorful fur-lined coat and a beaver hat. He has a solemn and serious expression, reflecting his mercantile nature.
Personality: He is proud of his wealth, but Chaucer hints that he is financially troubled, despite his outward success. He speaks confidently about his expertise in business, though he may be hiding his true financial situation.

7. The Clerk (Oxford Cleric)

Appearance: The Clerk is a thin, pale young man, dressed in threadbare, old clothes. His appearance reflects his poverty, as he spends all his money on books and education rather than fine clothes or food.
Personality: He is a studious, humble scholar who values knowledge over material wealth. He is portrayed as deeply intelligent but socially awkward and not very concerned with worldly possessions.

8. The Man of Law (Sergeant at Law)

Appearance: The Man of Law is well-dressed in a richly embroidered coat, symbolizing his success as a lawyer. He exudes authority and wealth.
Personality: He is wise, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in law. He seems to be a bit of a show-off, often making himself seem more important than he truly is, yet he is respected for his intellect.

9. The Wife of Bath (Alisoun)

Appearance: The Wife of Bath is described as a large, bold woman with red cheeks, gap-toothed, and well-dressed in a fine, elaborate outfit. She has a strong, confident presence.
Personality: She is experienced, outspoken, and has been married five times. She believes in the supremacy of women in marriage and loves discussing her relationships. She is also practical and humorous, embracing life with gusto.

10. The Parson

Appearance: The Parson is a poor but virtuous man, dressed simply in modest clothing. His humble appearance reflects his genuine piety and commitment to his spiritual duties.
Personality: He is a model of Christian virtue, living according to the teachings of the Bible. He is dedicated to his parishioners and practices what he preaches, unlike many other corrupt religious figures.

11. The Plowman

Appearance: The Plowman is the Parson's brother. He is a simple, hardworking man dressed in rough, modest clothing.
Personality: He is humble, honest, and devoted to his work. He is a perfect example of the ideal Christian man, living a life of hard work and charity without expecting anything in return.

12. The Miller

Appearance: The Miller is a large, burly man with a red beard and a wart on his nose. He is described as being very strong and having a boisterous, loud presence.
Personality: He is a jolly, bawdy, and dishonest man who enjoys telling crude jokes. He is a thief, frequently cheating people in his trade, and is not respected by others.

13. The Manciple

Appearance: The Manciple is not described in much detail in terms of appearance, but his position suggests that he is neat and practical in his manner.
Personality: He is clever, resourceful, and shrewd in managing the provisions for the legal institution he works for. Despite his humble position, he is able to outsmart his superiors and make a profit.

14. The Shipman

Appearance: The Shipman is a rough, experienced sailor. He is dressed in practical clothes suitable for his seafaring profession.
Personality: He is a seasoned, perhaps unscrupulous sailor who is skilled in his craft. He is depicted as cunning and skilled at navigating both the seas and the complex moral situations he encounters.

15. The Physician

Appearance: The Physician is described as wearing a fine, expensive robe, symbolizing his wealth. He is well-groomed and has an authoritative presence.
Personality: He is knowledgeable in medicine and astrology, but he is also portrayed as greedy, as he often prescribes unnecessary treatments to make money.

16. The Summoner

Appearance: The Summoner is described as having a fiery red face, covered in pimples, and a beard. He has a terrifying appearance that reflects his corrupt nature.
Personality: He is a corrupt and dishonest official who accepts bribes in exchange for pardoning people for their sins. He is not well-liked by the other pilgrims.

17. The Pardoner

Appearance: The Pardoner is described as having long, flowing hair, a smooth face, and no beard. His appearance suggests a lack of masculinity or a deceptive nature.
Personality: He is deceitful, selling fake relics and indulgences for his own profit. Despite his manipulative ways, he is charming and persuasive.

1. The Knight’s Tale

Characters: Theseus (duke of Athens), Palamon, Arcite, Emelye.
Summary: A chivalric tale set during the Trojan War. Palamon and Arcite, cousins and knights, are imprisoned by Theseus. They fall in love with Emelye, Theseus’ sister-in-law. The cousins battle for her love, and Arcite wins but dies shortly after, leaving Palamon to marry Emelye.
Themes: Chivalry, love, fate, and honor.

2. The Miller’s Tale

Characters: John (an old carpenter), Alison (his young wife), Nicholas (a scholar), Absalom (a parish clerk).
Summary: A bawdy and comic tale about Alison, who deceives her jealous husband John and has an affair with the scholar Nicholas. The tale culminates in a comic series of events where the characters are tricked and humiliated.
Themes: Deception, trickery, and the foolishness of love.

3. The Reeve’s Tale

Characters: The Miller (Simon), John (a student), Alan (a student), and the Miller’s wife and daughter.
Summary: A story of revenge, where two students are tricked by the Miller and his wife. They outwit the Miller in turn, with the students having their own revenge by tricking the Miller and his wife.
Themes: Revenge, deceit, and social class.

4. The Cook’s Tale

Characters: The Cook (whose name is not mentioned), his apprentice.
Summary: An unfinished tale about the misadventures of a cook and his apprentice, who lives a life of deceit and indulgence.
Themes: Moral corruption and indulgence.

5. The Man of Law’s Tale

Characters: Constance, King Alla, Sultan, Emir, and others.
Summary: A tragic tale of Constance, a noble Christian woman who is married off to a pagan king. After much hardship, Constance remains virtuous, and her faith is ultimately rewarded as her husband converts to Christianity.
Themes: Virtue, loyalty, and divine intervention.

6. The Wife of Bath’s Tale

Characters: The knight, the old woman (hag), Queen Guinevere.
Summary: A young knight is condemned to death for raping a maiden, but the Queen gives him a chance to redeem himself by answering the question, “What do women most desire?” He eventually learns that women want sovereignty over their husbands.
Themes: Marriage, sovereignty, and women’s desire.

7. The Friar’s Tale

Characters: The Friar, a summoner, the devil.
Summary: A corrupt friar and a summoner team up to extort money from poor people. However, they are both eventually tricked by the devil into meeting their comeuppance.
Themes: Corruption, hypocrisy, and punishment.

8. The Summoner’s Tale

Characters: The Friar, a rich man, his wife, and a servant.
Summary: The Friar extorts money from a rich man, and the man devises a plan to trick him. The Friar is ultimately humiliated by the servant’s actions.
Themes: Greed, trickery, and hypocrisy.

9. The Clerk’s Tale

Characters: Griselda (the wife), Walter (her husband), and their children.
Summary: The tale focuses on the patience and obedience of Griselda, who endures the cruel trials of her husband Walter, who tests her loyalty. Ultimately, she is rewarded for her patience.
Themes: Patience, obedience, and marital virtue.

10. The Merchant’s Tale

Characters: January (the old man), May (his young wife), Damian (the lover).
Summary: January, an old man, marries the young May, who has an affair with his servant, Damian. The tale is about deception, jealousy, and love’s complexities.
Themes: Marriage, infidelity, and jealousy.

11. The Squire’s Tale

Characters: Canacee (the princess), the knight, the falcon.
Summary: The unfinished tale involves magic, love, and chivalric adventures. Canacee receives magical gifts, and the story centers on chivalric ideals, though it remains unfinished.
Themes: Magic, honor, and chivalry.

12. The Franklin’s Tale

Characters: Arveragus (the knight), Dorigen (his wife), Aurelius (the squire).
Summary: A tale about love and honor, where Dorigen agrees to a seemingly impossible task to help her suitor Aurelius, but ultimately, her husband Arveragus chooses to forgive her, showing magnanimity.
Themes: Honor, love, generosity, and forgiveness.

The Physician’s Tale: A tale of a virtuous woman, Virginia, who is killed by her father to preserve her honor.

The Pardoner’s Tale: A moral story about three rioters who seek to kill Death but are instead undone by their greed.

The Shipman’s Tale: A tale of a merchant and his wife who deceive each other.

The Prioress’s Tale: A religious tale about the murder of a young Christian boy by Jews, a story of faith and innocence.

The Nun’s Priest’s Tale: A fable about a rooster who is tricked by a fox, teaching lessons about pride and flattery.

The Second Nun’s Tale: The martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, emphasizing her unwavering Christian faith.

The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale: A tale about a fraudulent alchemist and the consequences of dishonesty.

The Manciple’s Tale: A tale about a poet’s wife and the consequences of jealousy.

🔥 Pro Tip: Pay attention to Chaucer’s humor and social critique – they often appear in exam questions about his work! 😎

#NETExamPrep #EnglishLiterature #GeoffreyChaucer #TheCanterburyTales #TroilusAndCriseyde #EnglishLiteratureStudy #Chaucer #LiteraryAnalysis