Canterbury Tales: the Wives and Nuns of Chaucer’s England

Description

What can literature tell us about life in 14th-century England? In this discussion-based history and literature course, we will read The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer in tandem with selected writings from Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, and examine how these early speakers and writers of English understood themselves and the social, political, and religious dimensions of their late medieval world.

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400), a courtier, diplomat, and keen observer of his world, presents a complex and varied piece of social commentary in The Canterbury Tales. What can we understand today about life in Chaucer’s time when situations like plague, social unrest, poverty, economic inequity, political assassinations, and ongoing wars in Europe are not unlike the issues of our own time? And what can we learn about medieval attitudes towards women from Chaucer’s tales of love and marriage? 

Julian of Norwich (c. 1343–1416), an educated religious recluse and contemporary of Chaucer, provides insight into the 14th century as an age of mysticism and intense religious belief. What does her religious imagery tell us about how women viewed themselves in her time? How does the reclusive lifestyle of the anchorite contribute to our understanding of the medieval worldview? Do we recognize her religious fervour and faith in any of Chaucer’s characters? 

Despite political and personal dangers, the late medieval period was a time of travel, trade, and pilgrimage in Europe, all of which is richly described by Margery of Kempe (1373-1440), in her autobiography and vivid travelogue of her extensive peregrinations. How do her personal experiences of marriage and faith compare to Chaucer’s and Julian’s writings? How does her understanding of Christ reflect ideals of behaviour, honour, and chivalry also portrayed in Chaucer? What do her interactions with members of the clergy reveal about the clerical politics and popular religion of her day?

Required texts:

• * The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer (Penguin Nevill Coghill translation or Penguin Classics)

Participants must obtain a copy of the required texts at the bookstore or library of their choice.

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