the medieval narrative poem

the Medieval

narrative poem

Dalila Aramini 3aL

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The narrative poem

A narrative poem is a poem that tells a story in verse and contains narrative elements. The Medieval Narrative Poem was composed by different genres, like parables, fables and romances. This Medieval Narrative Poem showed the moral views of the time and the changing social structure. Their characters were usually described according to their lifestyle, their psychology and their experiences; the use of a narrator was often in the first person. The greatest example of a medieval narrative poem in English literature is Geoffrey Chaucer’s masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales.

Geoffrey Chaucer

Chaucer was born into a prominent family and served as a page in various noble households who made their money in the London wine trade. Before becoming a civil servant under King Edward III and Richard II. Geoffrey Chaucer was an influential English poet, writer, bureaucrat, and diplomat who lived from around 1343 to 1400. He travelled on diplomatic missions to France and Italy, which exposed him to a wide range of literary influences. Chaucer's writing reflects his keen observations of society, and his use of vernacular Middle English helped shape the development of the English language. He is considered one of the greatest English poets of the Middle Ages and a key figure in the history of English literature.

His three periods of works

The Italian period shows greater maturity and skill in the use of metre. This period includes The Parlement of Foules, etc… the first known attempt to use the couplet in English; and Troilus and Criseyde, a long poem adapted from Boccaccio.

The French period includes poems modelled on French romance styles and subjects, such as The Romaunt of the Rose and The Boke of the Duchesse.

The English period is marked by greater realism and includes his most famous work, The Canterbury Tales

His legacy

Chaucer is known as the father of English literature. He wrote his masterpiece in the dialect of his native London. The language he used went on to become the basis of Modern English. His masterpiece, "The Canterbury Tales," showcased the richness and versatility of the English language and demonstrated that it could be just as expressive and sophisticated as French and Latin. This marked a significant shift in literary tradition and helped establish English as a legitimate language for literature.He coined about 2,000 words and phrases, including words like plumage, femininity, womanhood, galaxy, vulgar, crude and scissors, and phrases like 'love is blind' and 'shaking like a leaf’.

The Canterbury Tales is about thirty pilgrims, including Chaucer as narrator, and a Host. They are going on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. It is April and they meet at the Tabard Inn in Southwark.

The canterbury tales

To make the journey less boring, the Host suggests having a contest where each pilgrim tells two stories on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back.

All the pilgrims agree, and the group sets off. Unfortunately Chaucer died before finishing this work, so the pilgrims never reach Canterbury.

The framing device of the pilgrims telling stories as they journey to Canterbury Cathedral provides a rich tapestry of medieval life, offering a diverse array of tales that reflect various aspects of society, morality, and human nature.

Each pilgrim represents a different social class and occupation, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. While Chaucer intended for each pilgrim to tell two stories on the way to Canterbury and two on the way back, the work remains unfinished, leaving many of the tales incomplete.

Despite its unfinished state, "The Canterbury Tales" is considered a masterpiece of English literature and a seminal work in the development of storytelling traditions.

Frame narrative

The poem has a 'frame narrative: a story that has other stories within it. The 'frame' is set up in the General Prologue, where the pilgrims meet and are introduced by the narrator. The stories within the story' are the twenty-four tales told by the different pilgrims. Their tales deal with different topics and are usually preceded by a prologue that introduces the theme. Chaucer as narrator tells us directly, or sometimes ironically, what he sees and thinks, so the reader is left to decide whether what he is reading is true or not. The tales often have realistic elements, and they almost always have a strong moralising tone.

"The Canterbury Tales" is structured as a frame narrative, where the main story of the pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral serves as a frame within which individual tales are told by the various pilgrims. This framing device allows Chaucer to weave together a collection of diverse stories, each showcasing different themes, genres, and perspectives. The frame narrative provides a context for the tales and gives insight into the characters telling them, adding depth and complexity to the overall work. This narrative technique is a key aspect of Chaucer's storytelling and contributes to the richness and complexity of "The Canterbury Tales."

STYLE

Chaucer chose to focus on rhyme rather than alliteration. The poem is written in heroic rhyming couplets, meaning that every two lines rhyme. It also uses iambic pentameter: each line consists of five 'feet' of two syllables each, following the pattern unstressed / stressed. The sound is similar to a heartbeat (ba BOOM)

The style of "The Canterbury Tales" is characterized by its use of Middle English, which was the common language of the time.. He employs a range of literary devices, such as alliteration, allegory, satire, and irony, to create a complex and multi-layered work. Chaucer's style is also marked by his keen observation of human behavior and society, as well as his skill in creating vivid and diverse characters.

Furthermore, Chaucer's style in "The Canterbury Tales" is known for its humor, wit, and social commentary. He often uses satire to critique various aspects of medieval society, including the church, the nobility, and the common people. This blend of humor and criticism reflects Chaucer's nuanced approach to storytelling and contributes to the enduring appeal of "The Canterbury Tales."

This went on to become the most common metre in English poetry.

THE CHARACTERS

Chaucer wanted to give a portrait of contemporary English society, so he used the pilgrimage as a device to bring together people from different walks of life. He began his descriptions with a knight who, along with his son, was the only representative of the nobility. Chaucer then moved to the clergy, describing the character of the prioress and making fun of monks, friars and pardoners. At Chaucer's time, the Lollardy movement, led by John Wycliffe, was criticising the church for its power and corruption. Chaucer also portrayed members of the emerging 'middle class' of merchants and craftsmen, including the most famous pilgrim, the Wife of Bath.

He did not describe the high aristocracy, who would not have travelled with commoners, or peasants, who could not have afforded such a trip.Chaucer's portrayal of himself as a character within the story allows him to interact with the other pilgrims and participate in the storytelling contest. Chaucer's character provides insights into the pilgrims and their stories, as well as commentary on the society of his time.

CHARACTERISATION

Some emphasise the pilgrims" appearance and clothes, others their actions or personality. Their names refer to their profession or role, and suggest a society in which work or title conditioned one's personality and view of the world. Chaucer also uses exaggeration, caricature and satire when he wants to expose the vices, flaws and corruption in certain parts of society.

Realism is the most distinctive feature of the work. Chaucer's characters move and react to what happens around them. This is in contrast to the conventional medieval character portrait, which was quite static. The descriptions of the pilgrims vary in length, point of view and tone.

CHAUCER AND WOMEN

THEMES

The main theme is that of the journey. Because it is set in spring, the pilgrimage is connected to the idea of rebirth. It is also a spiritual journey to the holy destination of Canterbury. Thus the journey of the pilgrims becomes an allegory of the course of human life.

In the General Prologue Chaucer does not follow the social hierarchy of presentation of the time. Instead, he mixes male and female characters. This underlines the new importance of women within the growing class of merchants and tradesmen. Some of the women Chaucer knew were very independent.

His wife, for example, always had a job with her own salary. He seems to show a real understanding and respect for women.

the Medieval

narrative poem

Dalila Aramini 3aL