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The “Skinny” on Geoffrey Chaucer. 1343-1400 (approx). Bridged Medieval and Renaissance periods Traveled extensively in Italy; exposed to continental poetry Considered the Father of English poetry First “modern” author. Historical-Cultural Context. The Three Estates:
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1343-1400 (approx) • Bridged Medieval and Renaissance periods • Traveled extensively in Italy; exposed to continental poetry • Considered the Father of English poetry • First “modern” author
Historical-Cultural Context • The Three Estates: • Estate of Temporal Rulers: King, Prince, Duke (Chivalry) • Estate of Spiritual Rulers: Clergy • Estate of Providers (Plowmen, for example)
Role of Church • No secular society as we understand it today • Pre-Reformation (no Protestants) • Literacy rates low (rote learning, oral tradition, pictures-icons-visuals) • Church dominated all aspects of life • No sense of separation of church and state
The Canterbury Tales • Chaucer adopts persona of pilgrim: differentiate between Chaucer the Pilgrim and Chaucer the Poet • Chaucer himself slightly noble, if you will; discreet, subtle • 30 Pilgrims journey to Canterbury (includes Chaucer and 29 others)
Each Pilgrim to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury; two tales on the way home • Meet at an Inn and begin their journey • Prologue is an Introduction • Pilgrims include full range of society