ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1968. A critical interpretation of Chaucer's narrative poetry which concentrates on three major groupings - the early love-visions, the ‘tragedye’ of Troilus and Criseyde, and the Canterbury Tales. Emphasis is laid on Chaucer as an oral narrator and on the varying skills which this role encourages and sustains. The quotations are liberal and throughout help is given to the reader unfamiliar with Middle English.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

chapter |28 pages

Adventures of a Dreamer

The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The Parliament of Fowlss

chapter 2|23 pages

The Writer as Dependant

Troilus and Cristyde (I)

chapter 3|20 pages

Tragedye and Tragedy

Troilus and Criseyde (II)

chapter 4|15 pages

A Return to Authority

The Legend of Good Women

chapter 5|35 pages

Tales and Tellers

The Canterbury Tales (I)

chapter 6|25 pages

Auctoritee and Pref

The Canterbury Tales (II)