AN OLD MAN'S WINTER NIGHT| line to line explanation| скачать в хорошем качестве

AN OLD MAN'S WINTER NIGHT| line to line explanation|

All time English poetry for students and literature lovers| explanation and analysis | easy and simple paraphrasing One of the most iconic poet in English literature is Geoffrey Chaucer was the outstanding English poet before Shakespeare and “the first finder of our language.” His The Canterbury Tales ranks as one of the greatest poetic works in English. He also contributed importantly in the second half of the 14th century to the management of public affairs as a courtier, His seamless blend of the literal and figurative lends his work a timeless quality, securing his place in the pantheon of American poets. #teaching poetry #poem in English for students# English romantic poetry #poetry in English literature #romantic poetry in English literature# a short English poem# famous poem in english literature Perhaps the chief characteristics of Chaucer’s works are their variety in subject matter, genre, tone, and style and in the complexities presented concerning the human pursuit of a sensible existence. Chaucer does not have any particular individual in mind but casts the Knight as an idealistic representative of his profession. • Although the institution of chivalry had become decadent in the fourteenth century Chaucer withholds his criticism and instead endows the Knight with all the gentlemanly qualities that are in keeping with his character. The Knight's ascetic clothing thus stands to his credit and highlights his integrity and honor. Chaucer also describes the Knight's participation in several battles and campaigns. Scholars have pointed out that the majority of the Knight's campaigns are religious in nature and are by and large crusades against the heathens Thus the Knight possesses all the traditional chivalric virtues of politeness in speech, consideration for others, righteousness, generosity, helpfulness, and loyalty. He also loves truth, honor, freedom, and courtesy. Moreover he is not only brave and worthy but also wise. Although the Knight rides on a good horse, he isn't ostentatiously dressed himself. He has come straight from his expedition and is still wearing his armor. His simple coarse sleeveless tunic made out of fustian bears the stains of his armor. This minute detail serves to impart a certain degree of realism to the portrait and also serves to underline the Knight's religious devotion and his eagerness to go on the pilgrimage. • His hood is fastened under his chin with an exquisite gold love knot. • His boots are supple and expensive. His bald head and face shine radiantly as if anointed with oil. • His large eyes roll in his head and gleam like a furnace under a cauldron. • He is healthy and well fed and loves to eat a plump roasted swan. • Chaucer ironically concludes that the Monk is certainly a "fair prelat". • Chaucer's subtle ironic portraiture of the 'manly' Monk and repeated approbation of the Monk's abilities only arouses the reader's derision The Monk's weakness for good food and expensive clothing and his love for hunting violate the monastic vows of poverty and simplicity. •He is riding a sleek berry brown horse on his way to Canterbury. • The bells attached to his horse's bridle tinkle pleasantly with the wind. • Chaucer ironically pronounces that the Monk is perfectly suitable for the office of abbot. •He does not care at all about the rules laid down by St. Benedict and bears no guilt about the fact that he rides out instead of devoting himself to his monastic Chaucer ironically agrees with the Monk's point of view and innocently asks why should the Monk make himself mad by pouring over a book in a cloister. • The Monk's pleasure in hunting is a fitting object of satire. • In the Middle Ages Monks who took delight in hunting were severely condemned by the reformers. • In fact hunting itself was considered an immoral activity • Chaucer's Monk is a perfect hunter and one who takes extreme interest and pleasure in tracking and hunting wild rabbits. • He thus keeps fine horses and well bred hunting hounds in his stable. • The Monk is a worshipper of materialism. • The sleeves of his coat are trimmed with the finest gray fur in the land