Assignment 105: Comparative Analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser.
This blog is part of an assignment for paper 105- The History of English Literature - From 1350 to 1900
Personal Information:-
Name:- Aakash Chavda
Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2025)
Enrollment Number:- 5108230011
E-mail Address:- aakashchavda637@gmail.com
Roll Number:- 1
Assignment Details:-
Topic: Comparative Analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser
Paper & subject code:- 105 - History of English Literature - From 1350 to 1900 & 22396.
Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.
Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023
Abstract:
This comparative analysis encompasses the distinct literary contributions of two prominent figures in English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser. Both writers, though belonging to different periods within the broader framework of medieval and Renaissance literature, have left an invaluable mark on the literary landscape. This study explores their unique styles, thematic concerns, and the socio-cultural contexts that shaped their works. Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as the "father of English literature," is celebrated for his "The Canterbury Tales." His innovative use of the vernacular Middle English and his insightful portrayal of diverse characters from various social classes provide a rich tapestry of medieval society. The analysis scrutinizes Chaucer's narrative techniques, such as the frame story structure, and evaluates the satirical elements embedded in his tales, shedding light on his keen observations of human nature and societal norms. In contrast, Edmund Spenser, a key figure of the Elizabethan Age, is renowned for his epic poem "The Faerie Queene." The study investigates Spenser's intricate allegorical framework, exploring the layers of symbolism and allegory that permeate his work. Additionally, attention is given to Spenser's poetic craftsmanship, with a focus on his use of the Spenserian stanza and the influence of classical and Italian literary traditions on his writing. Ultimately, this comparative analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the literary achievements of Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser,
Key words
Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, 'The Canterbury Tales', 'The Faerie Queene', English Literature.
Geoffrey Chaucer
"The Morning Star of The Renaissance"
"Father of English Poetry and "
Geoffrey Chaucer, born in 1342 in London and passing away in 1400, is hailed as the preeminent English poet before Shakespeare, often regarded as "the first finder of our language." It is widely believed that Chaucer played a crucial role in transforming English from a dialect into a standard language by the time of his death. His renowned work, "The Canterbury Tales," stands as one of the greatest poetic achievements in English literature. Beyond his literary contributions, Chaucer served as a courtier, diplomat, and civil servant, earning the trust and support of three successive kings: Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV. However, his lasting legacy lies in his poetry, characterized by a remarkable diversity in subject matter, genre, tone, and style, exploring complex themes related to the human pursuit of a meaningful existence.
Chaucer's work is distinguished by a pervasive humor coupled with a thoughtful and tolerant examination of profound philosophical questions. His writings portray him as a poet of love, addressing both earthly and divine aspects, ranging from carnal desires to spiritual communion with God. Through his verses, readers are prompted to reflect on humanity's relationships with one another and with the divine, offering entertaining insights into human frailties, follies, and nobility.
By 1366, Chaucer had entered matrimony, likely with Philippa Pan, who had served in the households of the countess of Ulster and later Queen Philippa of Hainaut. Chaucer's marriage appears to have been advantageous, evident in the annuities granted to Philippa Chaucer, affirming that Chaucer had married well.
Chaucer's Works
It divides into three distinct periods
1) French 2) Italian 3) English
French Period:-
He was much influenced by De Lorries and De Meting, translated their legnthy romance "The Romaunt of Rose"
- Poem "The Book of Duchess" - lengthy allegory on the death of 'Blannche'
- Poem "The Complaint Unto Pity" - French seven line stanza or 'Rime Royal'
Italian Period:- Influenced by Dante
The "House of Fame" is one of Chaucer's unfinished poems, it has close resemblance to Dante's "Divine Comedy"
'writen ful of names
Of folk that hadden grete fames.'
- "The Parliament of Fowls"
- "Troilus and Criseyde" - borrowed freely from Boccaccio
- Idea of "Canterbury Tales" Is taken from Boccaccio's "Decamerone"
- "The Legend of Good Woman" - Heroic Couplet Poem
English Period:-
"The Canterbury Tales" Is regarded as one Chaucer's best work.
- "Knight's tale" Is one of the famous tales.
Chaucer employed three Princelple meters
1) 8 syllabic line rhyming in couplets called 'ottva rhyma'
Ex. 'The Book of Duchess'
2) 10 syllabic line called 'Heroic couplet', got perfection by the hands of Pope.
3) 'Rhyma Royal' - 10 syllabic line, 7 line stanza
Ex. 'Troilus and Cressyde'
Edmund Spencer
Wordsworth praised Spenser as “The embodiment of nobility, purity and sweetness”
Edmund Spenser, born around 1552/53 in London, was an English poet celebrated for "The Faerie Queene," a significant work in the Spenserian stanza. Little is known about his early life, but he attended Merchant Taylors' grammar school and later studied at the University of Cambridge. Despite his family's modest means, Spenser's education exposed him to classical and contemporary literature. In 1569, Spenser showcased his poetic talent with English versions of French and Italian poems. His university years at Cambridge were marked by encounters with Gabriel Harvey, fostering a deep knowledge of various literary traditions. Spenser's religious training influenced his engagement in the religious struggles of the time, though his leanings toward Puritanism are unclear. "The Shepheardes Calender" (1579 or 1580) reflects Spenser's early focus on English church matters. He later served as secretary to Bishop John Young. His poetry draws from classical myths, Christianity, and medieval folklore, shaping his unique compositions. In 1596 Spenser wrote a prose pamphlet “A View of the Present State of Ireland” in the form of a dialogue. The pamphlet argued that Ireland would never be totally ‘pacified’ by the English until its indigenous language and customs had been destroyed, if necessary by violence.
According to Ben Jonson, “Spenser died at the age of 46 – for the want of bread”.A letter written by Spenser to Sir Walter Raleigh in 1590 contains a preface for the Faerie Queene, in which Spenser describes the allegorical presentation of virtues through Arthurian Knights in the mythical faerie land.This letter outlines the plan for 24 books; twelve based on the knights who exemplifies private virtues and twelve public virtues centred on King Arthur. C. S. Lewis said – “Spenser was not one of the great sonneteers”. Dryden remarks that “Shakespeare himself might not have achieved so much, if Spenser had not lived and laboured”. W.B. Yeats called Spenser ‘The first salaried moralist.” Milton in his Aeropagitica called Spenser – “Our sage and serious poet … whom I dare be known to think a better teacher than scouts or Aquinas”. Alexander Pope compared Spenser to “a mistress, whose faults we see, but love her with them all.” In “A View of the Present State of Ireland” Spenser believed that “Ireland is a diseased portion of the state, it must first be cured and reformed before it could be in a position to appreciate the good soundlaws and blessings of the nation”. It is a dialogue between Eudoxus and Irenius. In this book, Spenser categorises the evils of the Irish people into three prominent categories – Laws, customs and religion.
Major Works of Spenser
Faerie Queene:- it is the epic poem of Spenser. It is written in Spenserian stanza (abab bcbc c). All the books are based on ‘King Arthur’. The first three books were published in 1590 and second set of three books were published in 1596. Spenser states that; “the aim behind the Faerie Queene was to- Fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline”. Actually Spenser had planned to write 24 books but it remained unfinished.
The introductory letter of Faerie Queene was written to Walter Raleigh. Dryden commented on it for its ‘Lack of Unity. It is an allegorical epic poem in which we can find the praise of Queen Elizabeth as Gloriana. Each book represents a virtue of a knight. Spenser called this epic as “a dark conceit". The seventh book was incomplete which deals with the subject of mutability represent the virtue of Constancy. The poem is modelled on Orlando’s Furioso and Torquato Tasso’s Jerusalem Delivered.
Another important work of Spencer is "The Shepherd's Calendar" It was Spenser’s first major poetic work, published in 1579, by Hugh Singleton. It is an allegorical poem, in the form of a dialogue. Edmund Spenser dedicates his volume to Sir Philip Sidney and signs himself "Immerito". It is written on imitation of Virgil’s first book The Eclogues and Theocritus’s Idylls.The poem introduces ‘Colin Clout’ a folk character originated by John Skelton and depicts his life as a shepherd, through the twelve months of the year.
Comparison between Chaucer and Spenser
Chaucer casts the longest shadow over a certain aspect of Spenser's art-its affected homeliness, its odd mixture of rusticity and polish. Spenser discovered in Chaucer a way to modulate his tone of voice. using various degrees and sorts of self-advertisement and self-deprecation in order to establish himself as a not too bold national poet. Spenser's exceedingly delicate adoption of the themes of Chaucer's
"marriage group" for his discussion of love and sexuality in The 'Faeri Queene'. He learned his poetic craft from Chaucer. Spenser was melodious and exquisite whereas Chaucer was deliberately blunt and coarse. Spenser too reformed the English language just like his master did. The minor works of
both poets are steeped in the self-deprecation common to much love poetry, poetry of complaint, and dream vision.
Spenser regarded Chaucer as his master, but their writing styles differ significantly due to the two centuries separating them, both writers were best representative of their respective age. Chaucer, a poet and man of affairs, brought a modern perspective to ancient and medieval themes. He abandoned outdated metrical romance, pioneered narrative storytelling in verse, and portrayed contemporary life with humor and romance. His aim was to entertain himself and readers, mastering diverse and melodious verse. However, as language evolved, his influence waned. Spenser, like Chaucer, was a busy man of affairs but leaned more towards being a poet and scholar. He approached writing as an idealist, depicting people not as they are but as he imagined them to be, devoid of humor and driven by a mission to reform. While Chaucer drew inspiration from present-day conditions, Spenser's work, like his Eclogues, was more artificial than his foreign models. Unlike Chaucer, Spenser's imagination dominated, creating a world of dreams and illusions rooted in the past. His second notable quality was a keen sensitivity to beauty, evident not only in his subject matter but also in the beauty of expression through the exquisite Spenserian stanza and rich melody, making him a model for modern poets.
Conclusion
In essence, Chaucer's humor-infused realism and narrative innovation contrast with Spenser's idealism, rooted in classical influences and a dreamlike realm. Chaucer's impact lies in his keen observation of contemporary life, while Spenser's enduring legacy is marked by his imaginative, beauty-laden verse. Despite their divergent approaches, both poets left an indelible imprint on English literature, shaping its evolution and inspiring generations of writers.
Reference
- Anthony M. Esolen. “The Disingenuous Poet Laureate: Spenser’s Adoption of Chaucer.” Studies in Philology, vol. 87, no. 3, 1990, pp. 285–311. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4174365. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.
- “Geoffrey Chaucer | Biography, Poems, Canterbury Tales, & Facts.” Britannica, 6 November 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Geoffrey-Chaucer. Accessed 24 November 2023.
- Hieatt, Kent. “Edmund Spenser | English Poet & Renaissance Figure.” Britannica, 5 October 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edmund-Spenser. Accessed 24 November 2023.
- Long, William J., et al. “English Literature by William J. Long.” Project Gutenberg, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10609. Accessed 24 November 2023.
Word Count (1733)
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