Medieval NarrativesMarch 8, 2013

The Medieval Reader

• Narrative- a type of writing that relates a series of events

• Common themes:– Religion– Issues of love– Exemplary life & behavior– Political & Societal Issues– Often humorous

4 Types of Medieval Narratives

1.) Ballad- Tells a story and has a regular pattern of rhythm and rhyme– Example: Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner– Modern Example: Chicago

2.) Medieval Romance- An adventure tale with extravagant characters, exotic places, heroic events, passionate love, and supernatural forces– Example: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, – Film Examples: Ever After, King Arthur

3.) Allegory- Every character and event is a symbol that represents an idea, religious principle, or moral– Example: The Lord of the Flies, Romeo & Juliet,

Movies: Fight Club, Batman, The Shawshank Redemption

4.) Moral Tale- illustrates a moral lesson, such as a fable– Example: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Tortoise

and the Hare– Film Example: Saw, Shrek

Geoffrey Chaucer• Born sometime between

1340-1343 CE in London• Mark on English language• Not of noble blood, but

served as an attendant to the family of King Edward III.– Became acquainted with

upper-class life• Main career was in diplomacy– Writing was a sideline career

• Died in 1400, buried in Westminster Abbey

The Canterbury Tales

• Collection of verse and prose tales• 20,000 lines were written at the time of his

death– However, many more tales had been planned

• Offers a vivid portrait of English society during the Middle Ages

• Contains 30 characters, all of which tell a tale– Clergy, aristocrats, and commoners

• Frame Story– Allows for deeper characterization of the pilgrims

• 30 pilgrims travel to the shrine at Canterbury and agree to exchange stories along the way.

• The Prologue introduces each member of the group

• The Pardoner’s Tale • The Wife of Bath’s• Narrative Poem