AGE OF CHAUCER
a. why is the age of Chaucer considered as a Little renaissance ?
- Chaucer's era is called a "little Renaissance" because he used new literary
techniques and focused on individual experiences, hinting at the changes that
would fully develop during the Renaissance.
b. Look up to the biography of St Thomas a Becket, why he became the object of
many pilgrimages?
- St. Thomas à Becket was an archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in
1170 because of his conflicts with King Henry II over church authority. He was
quickly made a saint, and people began to visit his shrine at Canterbury
Cathedral to seek miracles and show their devotion, making it a major pilgrimage
site.
c. what lesson is taught by the Pardoner in the story?
- The Pardoner teaches the lesson that greed is the root of all evil. Through his
story about three rioters who seek to kill Death but end up killing each other out
of greed, he illustrates how selfishness and avarice can lead to one's downfall.
d. comment on the manner Chaucer describes each pilgrim in the story
- Chaucer describes each pilgrim in The Canterbury Tales through their looks,
jobs, and behaviors. He paints a clear picture of who they are, often using humor
or criticism to highlight their traits and social status.
CHAPTER 3: 15th Century “Decline of Chaucer”
a. why was the 15th century considered a barren period in English Literature?
- The 15th century is also considered as Barren Age because there is no any poet
or writer to produce great work in the field of English literature.
b. why is 100 years war considered one of the reasons for lack of writers during this
period?
- The Hundred Years' War caused a lot of chaos and instability, which took
resources and attention away from literature. This disruption made it harder for
writers to work and for new literary works to be produced.
c. justify or criticize the behavior of Sir Gawain when he was seduced by the beautiful lady
- Justification: Gawain is only human and can be tempted, which shows his
struggle with personal desire versus his duty as a knight. The seduction is part of
a test of his character.
- Criticism: Gawain should have been more disciplined and true to his knightly
vows. Accepting the lady’s gift and hiding it from his host shows a failure to fully
uphold his promises and honor.
CHAPTER 4: AGES OF HUMANISM
a. what is Humanism? give the influence of humanism in England?
- Humanism is a cultural and intellectual movement that began during the
Renaissance, emphasizing the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and
Rome and focusing on human values and potential rather than solely religious
concerns.
Influence of Humanism in England:
- Literature: Humanism led to a renewed interest in classical literature, which
influenced English writers like Thomas More and William Shakespeare. Their
works often explored human nature and individualism.
- Education: Humanist ideas encouraged a more secular and broad-based
education, promoting the study of subjects like history, poetry, and philosophy.
- Culture: Humanism contributed to the flourishing of English culture and the arts,
leading to a period of significant creativity and intellectual growth in the 16th
century.
b. comment on the idea of Thomas Moore; what is utopian?
- Thomas More’s idea of Utopia is about a perfect society where everything works
well and everyone is treated fairly. In his book *Utopia*, he imagines an ideal
place with no problems or injustices.
- Utopian** means this idea of a perfect, ideal world.
c. Edmund Spenser is important in English literature because:
1. Epic Poem: His work *The Faerie Queene* is a major and influential epic poem.
2. Language: He created the Spenserian stanza, a new verse form.
3. Literary Impact: He helped shape English literature and inspired other writers.
THE FAERIE QUEENE
CHARACTERS: Arthur, Faerie Queen, Redcrosse, Una, Duessa, Archimago,
Britomart.
Setting: a mythical "Faerie land," ruled by the Faerie Queene.
Plot: The Faerie Queene follows several knights on their quests to prove their
virtues. Each book focuses on a different knight and their journey through a magical
land, encountering various challenges and villains.
Conflict: The main conflict involves the knights facing evil forces and personal
struggles as they strive to uphold virtues like holiness, justice, and courtesy. They
confront monsters, temptations, and deceitful characters that test their moral
character and bravery.
Resolution: The conflicts are resolved as the knights overcome their trials, defeat
the villains, and ultimately demonstrate their virtues. Their successes restore order
and harmony in the magical land, reflecting the poem's moral and allegorical themes.
THE PRODIGAL SON
Characters: The prodigal son, the father, the brother
Setting: the father's house and the world.
Plot:
A young man asks his father for his inheritance early and goes off to a far country,
where he wastes all his money on reckless living. When a famine hits, he ends up in
poverty and decides to return home, hoping to work as a servant. His father
welcomes him back with open arms and a celebration.
Conflict:The main conflict is between the son’s reckless behavior and eventual
regret, and the father's forgiveness and love. There’s also tension with the older
brother, who feels unfairly treated when the prodigal son is welcomed back so
warmly.
Resolution:
The conflict is resolved when the father forgives the prodigal son and celebrates his
return, symbolizing forgiveness and redemption. The older brother’s feelings of
injustice are addressed by the father, who explains that celebrating the return of the
lost son is fitting because he was lost and is now found.
- Macbeth: Macbeth is a Scottish general who hears a prophecy that he will become
king. Encouraged by his wife, he murders the current king to take the throne. His
guilt and fear lead to more murders and eventually his own downfall.
- Hamlet: Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, learns that his uncle, now king, murdered
his father. Hamlet seeks revenge but struggles with doubts and his own emotions,
leading to a tragic ending for nearly everyone involved.
