The facts and fictions that continue to shape our understanding of Chaucer and his place in literary tradition
Is Chaucer the father of English literature? The first English poet? Was he a feminist? A political opportunist? A spy? Is Chaucer’s language too difficult for modern readers? 30 Great Myths about Chaucer explores the widely held ideas and opinions about the medieval poet, discussing how ‘myths’ have influenced Chaucer’s reception history and interpretations of his poetry through the centuries.
This unique text offers original insights on the character of Chaucer, the nature of his works, the myths that inform our conceptions of Chaucer, and the underlying causes of these myths. Each accessible and engaging chapter focuses on a specific myth, including those surrounding Chaucer’s romantic life, political leanings, religious views, personal struggles, financial challenges, ideas about chivalry, representations of social class, and many others. More than simply correcting inaccurate facts or clarifying common misconceptions about Chaucer, the text delves deeper to address how the myths have shaped the critical interpretation and enduring literary legacy of Chaucer. This innovative volume:
- Explores how generations of readers continue to shape understanding of Chaucer
- Highlights the intersection of medievalism and Chaucer studies
- Helps readers detach myths about Chaucer from critical readings of his works
- Examines whether myths about Chaucer are based on historical fact or literary interpretation
- Discusses the history of reading Chaucer in contexts of biography, criticism, and popular culture
30 Great Myths about Chaucer is an indispensable resource for academics, researchers, graduate students, upper-level undergraduates, and general readers with interest in Chaucer and early English and Middle Ages literature.
Spis treści
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction: Mythical Chaucer ix
Myth 1 Chaucer is the Father of English Literature 1
Myth 2 Chaucer was the First English Poet 7
Myth 3 Chaucer Suffered an Unrequited Love 13
Myth 4 Chaucer’s Marriage was Unhappy 19
Myth 5 Chaucer’s Son Thomas was John of Gaunt’s Bastard 25
Myth 6 Chaucer’s Language is too Difficult for Modern Readers 31
Myth 7 The Canterbury Pilgrims Represent all Social Classes and Character Types 37
Myth 8 The Canterbury Pilgrims are Based on Real People 45
Myth 9 The Canterbury Pilgrims form a “Merry Company” 51
Myth 10 Chaucer was a Feminist 57
Myth 11 Chaucer was Guilty of Rape 65
Myth 12 Chaucer had a Falling out with his Best Friend 71
Myth 13 Chaucer Lived in the Middle Ages 77
Myth 14 Chaucer was a Proto‐Protestant 83
Myth 15 Chaucer was Anti‐Semitic 87
Myth 16 Chaucer was a Spy 93
Myth 17 Chaucer was a Crook 99
Myth 18 Chaucer was a Political Opportunist 105
Myth 19 The Wife of Bath Murdered her Husband 109
Myth 20 Chaucer “Outs” the Pardoner 115
Myth 21 Chaucer Never Finished the Canterbury Tales 121
Myth 22 Chaucer is Obscene 127
Myth 23 Chaucer was Skeptical of Chivalry 133
Myth 24 Chaucer Described Himself in his Works 139
Myth 25 Chaucer Wrote the First Novel in English 145
Myth 26 Chaucer was in Danger of Being Thrown in Debtor’s Prison 151
Myth 27 Chaucer Renounced his Works on his Deathbed 155
Myth 28 Chaucer is Buried in his Own Tomb 161
Myth 29 Chaucer was the First Poet Laureate 167
Myth 30 Contemporary Literary Theory is Irrelevant to Chaucer 173
Coda 179
Further Reading 185
Works Cited 189
Index 203
O autorze
Thomas A. Prendergast is Professor of English at the College of Wooster, USA. He is the author of Poetical Dust: Poets’ Corner and the Making of Britain, co-author of Affective Medievalism: Love, Abjection and Discontent and co-editor of Chaucer and the Subversion of Form.
Stephanie Trigg is Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor of English Literature at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She is author of Shame and Honor: A Vulgar History of the Order of the Garter and co-author of Affective Medievalism: Love, Abjection and Discontent.
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