Chaucer for Beginners

Professor Marion Turner looks at Chaucer's legacy and the changes in societal perception of Chaucer. She also looks at online resources to help the beginner study Chaucer. In this concluding episode Professor Marion Turner provides a comprehensive examination of Geoffrey Chaucer's enduring legacy, illuminating his profound influence on subsequent literary giants such as Shakespeare, Dryden, T.S. Eliot, and contemporary writers. Marion delves into the widely used epithet "Father of the English Language," contextualising it within Chaucer's innovative and experimental approach to prose and poetry. She argues persuasively for Chaucer's role as an innovative trailblazer, noting his distinction as the first major writer to be printed by Caxton and the inaugural figure to have a comprehensive collection of his works compiled and printed.

The episode navigates through different periods in societal perception of Chaucer, exploring how evolving perspectives have shaped translations and editorial decisions concerning his works. Marion eloquently makes the case for Chaucer as a European writer whose insights remain relevant to contemporary society, addressing issues that resonate with modern life.

As the conversation unfolds, Marion and Karen reflect on study resources and offer valuable guidance for students embarking on reading Chaucer. They emphasise the enduring pleasure Chaucer's writing can provide to modern readers, despite the perceived hurdles posed by the archaic language. The episode concludes with insightful advice for students on overcoming challenges in reading Chaucer and underscores the timeless appeal of his works. Marion also mentions further introductory resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of Chaucer's literary contributions and the lasting impact he has had on the trajectory of English literature.

Professor Marion Turner delves into Geoffrey Chaucer's language and writing style. Chaucer championed a vernacular English form of writing, a departure from the prevalent use of Latin or French in poetry and the law. In this illuminating episode, Professor Marion Turner engages in a captivating conversation with Karen Carey, delving into the intricacies of Geoffrey Chaucer's language and writing style. The episode offers an immersive experience, commencing with Marion's eloquent recital of the opening lines of the Canterbury Tales in Middle English. From the outset, listeners are transported to the linguistic landscape of Chaucer's era, marked by irregular spellings and the unique nuances of early English.

Marion and Karen unravel the challenges posed by this early form of the English language, shedding light on its evolution into the modern tongue. Despite the irregularities, much of Chaucer's vocabulary remains recognisable to contemporary readers. The discussion extends to Chaucer's role as the originator of iambic pentameter verse, exploring how the rhythm and stress of words contribute to the richness of his writing when spoken aloud.

The podcast also explores Chaucer's pivotal role in championing a vernacular English form of writing, a departure from the prevalent use of Latin or French in poetry, government, and the law during his time. Marion and Karen examine the significance of this linguistic shift and its impact on the accessibility of literature to a broader audience.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain many insights into Chaucer's lasting linguistic contributions to modern English. The episode concludes with an exploration of words and phrases attributed to Chaucer, such as the timeless adage "Love is Blind," underscoring the enduring influence of his language on contemporary expression and writers such as Shakespeare who followed him. This episode serves as a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts seeking to navigate the linguistic intricacies and appreciate the linguistic legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer.

Professor Marion Turner introduces one of the most famous and intricate tales from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales – "The Wife of Bath." In this key episode on the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Professor Marion Turner masterfully introduces one of the most famous and intricate tales from the Canterbury Tales – "The Wife of Bath." The character of the Wife of Bath, portrayed as a middle-class working woman, stands out as one of the most compelling figures in Chaucer's tales. Interestingly, Chaucer grants her the longest prologue, allowing her voice to resonate vividly as she shares her experiences and perspectives on life and marriage.

Delving into "The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale," Professor Turner guides listeners through the narrative and tale told by an earthy character who has been married five times. She discusses the ‘Prologue,’ in which the Wife rails against medieval misogyny and the difficulties women faced in getting their voices heard. Her ‘Prologue’ moves between jokes and deeply serious discussions of domestic violence and oppression. The tale itself, which unfolds in the times of King Arthur, subverts the genre of romance. It revolves around a knight who is not a hero: instead, he faces punishment for the heinous act of raping a young woman. However, he is presented with a chance at redemption by answering a seemingly elusive question: "What do women most desire?" The knight's quest takes him on a journey where he encounters an old woman who promises the correct answer in exchange for a favour. She reveals that women desire sovereignty over their husbands – and saves his life. Obliged to keep his word, he is forced to marry her – and ultimately, he hands power over to his old wife, who metamorphoses into a beautiful and faithful woman.

This episode not only unravels the layers of "The Wife of Bath's Tale" but also provides a nuanced exploration of the Wife of Bath herself, offering listeners a deeper understanding of Chaucer's astute characterisation and the timeless themes woven into the fabric of the Canterbury Tales.

Professor Marion Turner introduces the ribald and humorous world of one of the Canterbury Tales' most famous stories – "The Miller's Tale." In this engaging episode of "Chaucer for Beginners," Professor Marion Turner immerses listeners in the ribald and humorous world of one of the Canterbury Tales' most famous stories – "The Miller's Tale." With a delightful storytelling flair, Professor Turner provides a lively overview of the farcical and bawdy plot that unfolds in a lodging house in Oxford. At the centre of this uproarious tale are an older carpenter, his alluring young wife Alison, and two ardent young men, Nicholas and Absolon, each vying for her affections. The ensuing chaos and comedic twists make "The Miller's Tale" a classic representation of the fabliau genre, celebrated for its humour and often risqué content.

Professor Turner delves into the unique characteristics of the fabliau, highlighting how this genre, as exemplified in "The Miller's Tale," is set in the contemporary world, offering a stark contrast to the preceding tale – the Knight’s – told in the ‘romance’ genre. Drawing attention to the difference in tone, she explains that romances typically explore themes of love and war in elevated settings, providing a fascinating juxtaposition with the earthy and irreverent humour of the fabliau. At the same time, the fabliau story also exposes some of the realities behind the seemingly idealised world of romance. This episode serves as a delightful entry point for listeners to appreciate the diversity of Chaucer's storytelling techniques and the nuanced interplay of genres within the Canterbury Tales.

Professor Marion Turner provides an in-depth exploration of Geoffrey Chaucer's classic work, the Canterbury Tales. In the captivating second episode of the podcast series, "Chaucer for Beginners,” Professor Marion Turner provides an in-depth exploration of Geoffrey Chaucer's classic work, the Canterbury Tales. The conversation unfolds as Professor Turner skilfully navigates through the intricacies of this renowned work, elucidating how it comprises a collection of stories and tales framed by a General Prologue. These narratives, told from diverse viewpoints by characters of varying social classes, form a rich tapestry grounded in the interactions of a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, who convene in a London tavern to share their stories and adventures.

Professor Turner delves into the structural brilliance of Chaucer's tales, dissecting the characters and frameworks that bring the stories to life. The discussion encompasses the varied perspectives Chaucer encapsulated in his writing, highlighting the diversity of voices and experiences within the Canterbury Tales. The episode further explores Chaucer's distinctive writing style, emphasising his role as the originator of iambic pentameter verse, a ground-breaking contribution to English literature.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insights into the early circulation of the Canterbury Tales, initially disseminated in stages as manuscripts to a select audience. Professor Turner underscores the performative nature of Chaucer's work, emphasising its design for oral recitation and entertainment rather than just silent reading.

In the introductory episode of "Chaucer for Beginners,” expert Professor Marion Turner introduces the life of writer Geoffrey Chaucer, shedding light on his background and life in 14th century England. In the first episode of this compelling podcast series, "Chaucer for Beginners,” listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Professor Marion Turner, shedding light on the intricacies of life in the 14th century. The episode offers a vivid exploration of the impact of the plague on society, painting a detailed picture of the bustling trading city of London, the very backdrop where Geoffrey Chaucer lived, worked and honed his craft. Professor Turner delves into Chaucer's formative years, unravelling details about his upbringing, education, and early military service. The narrative unfolds to encompass Chaucer's later endeavours as a diplomat and businessman, recounting his extensive travels across Europe.

Listeners are immersed in the intellectual world of Chaucer as Professor Turner discusses the classical literature and poetry that influenced the prolific writer. The podcast delves into Chaucer's exposure to works in Latin, French, and Italian, providing a rich context for understanding the layers of his literary inspiration. The episode culminates in a thoughtful discussion on how students can embark on the study of Chaucer, offering guidance on approaching translations of his works and navigating the historical and societal context that shaped his writing.