英美文学Chapter Three the age of chaucer.pptVIP

Chapter 3 The Age of Chaucer I. Historical Background 1. The Hundred Years’ War Edward III(1327-1377) Henry VI(1421-1471) 2. The peasant uprising of 1381 Richard II(1367-1400) “When Adam delved and Eve span Who was then the gentleman?”—John Ball II. William Langland (?1330-1400) Piers Plowman, or the Vision of Piers Plowman (a realistic picture of 14th century England ) Literary Terms Allegory 1.definition: A story or description in which the characters and events symbolize some deeper underlying meaning, and serve to spread moral teaching. 2.characteristics: Double meaning: primary meaning / surface meaning secondary meaning / underlying meaning III. Geoffrey Chaucer  (1340?-1400) I. life II. Literary Career 1). Messenger of Humanism Affirm mans right to pursue earthly happiness Praise mans energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life Expose and satirize the social vices, including religious abuses 2). The first important realistic writer Present a comprehensive realistic picture of the English society Create a whole gallery of vivid characters from all walks of life Explore the theme of the individuals relation to the society 3). “Father” of English poetry Introduce the rhymed stanzas of various types to English poetry (e.g. heroic couplet) Develop his art of poetry Master of the English language 1. The Framework (1) Chaucer’s plan 30 pilgrims 4 stories each altogether 120 stories (2) Chaucer’s work consists of three parts The General Prologue 24 tales, two of which left unfinished Separate prologues to each tale with links, comments, and quarrels in between 2. Pilgrims The pilgrims fall into several groups according to Chaucer’s attitude toward them. Five ideals Chaucer treats seriously (Knight, Squire, Clerk, Parson, Plowman) Some he pokes fun at (Prioress, Monk, Wife of Bath) Some he is quiet about; short portraits with personal view coming through (Prioress’s ento