Saturday, February 28, 2009

I Find No Peace

This poem is very deep. The speaker is showing alot of deep feelings about himself and how he doesn't find any peace after the war was over. To me, it's like he wasn't trying to start any war at all. On line 3, it states," I fly above the wind, yet can I not arise." I don't understand that. I wonder if he had felt free at one point and felt retained at another point. It's like something or someone is holding him back. On line 10, it states," I desire to perish, and yet I ask health." It's like at first, he's asking to die because he feels that his life wasn't worth any meaning. But at the same time, he's asking to live because there's something or someone is telling him to live. He's wishing for life and death, but can't make up his mind. I wonder if there was a woman involved.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The picture of Anne Boleyn




This suppose to be the female deer as Anne Boleyn being hunted by the hunters. One of them's name is Henry VIII who had alot of feelings for her. She burns all the guys away in her dust and she has diamonds with letters saying,"Noli me tangere, for Caesar's I am." She doesn't want Henry nor nobody else.

Whoso List to Hunt

So after I had read this poem, I have found a few pretty interesting things. So I can see I that one of the hunters turn out to be Henry VIII, who is chasing a female deer (Anne Boleyn). I guess he was pursuing her because of how he had alot of feelings for her and wanted to be with her. The thing about it was that he feels discouraged because he's the last of the other hunters and he feels that he could never catch up to her because she's too far away from him. It's like she's pulling away from him or sumthing. But I also think that she doesn't want him as well. On lines 5-8, I want to know why didn't he just stop right then and there when he felt that his mind was growing thin? I understand that the "female deer" kept leaving him and all, but I think that the hunt itself was probably wasted anyway, and I think he knew that. So through 10-15, I guess he's saying that his hunt was for nothing and during the hunt, he saw diamonds in letters around her neck stated, "Noli me tangere, for Caesar's I am." On the bottom of the book, it will tell you that it means, "Touch me not, for I am Caesar's." I think it means that she only belongs to Caesar and nobody else's. On the last line, it stated," And wild for to hold, though I seem tame." I think its saying that she may be calm and settled, but if you hold her to an extent, she may get crazy. Poor Henry.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The Wife of Bath Tale

Honestly, I was not even expecting this kind of tale from the Wife of Bath. After reading the prologue I would not have even expected her to make the story about a man and not about a women being devise with her husband. I honestly thought her story was going to be alot like the Millers Tale, with a women cheating on her husband or something like that. I do like how she chooses a Knight to be the guy that rapes the women [I'm not saying I approve of what he does]. But I think it is really ironic, that she chooses a Knight! A Knight, especially on King Arthurs court, is supposed to be a role model, someone who does nothing wrong.
I think the queen must have given him the task, to find out what women really want, because she knew it would be an impossible task for him to get just one answer! I mean every women is going to have a different answer of what women want. I also think she gave him the task so he would learn something from women, because by him raping the women, it shows he knows absolutely nothing about women. The Queen probably already knew that he would get different answers from all the women he asked, and all of the answers could be correct, because not every women wants the same thing from a man and a marriage. I do not think she was going to kill the Knight at all, as long as he came back with some kind of answer, even though she said she would if he came back with the wrong answer. But really, how could there be a wrong answer to that question?? I think the Queen knew all along what she was doing by sending him out there to find out what women want, and I feel like it was just to teach him a lesson! I could be absoluletly wrong on this, but I really do not think that she would have killed the Knight, as long as he did have an answer for her.
Maybe, the Knight having to marry the ugly old hag, was his punishment. I mean, he raped a women, so it seems to me like this Knight is a little shallow. There would be no way on earth that he would have married this "old hag" on his own! He was trying to get out of marrying her right after she told the court that she told him the answer and she is the reason that he is still alive! During the first night, he is completely disgusted by her, but she gives him two choices, he thinks for a while...do you think he is thinking about what women want the most?? Because he ultimately makes the right decision and she turns into a young beautiful women who is always faithful to him! I think if he was given that choice in the beginning of the story he would have picked the young and beautiful wife, but took his chances on her being unfaithful to him, because before his "journey" he seems like a shallow guy!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Wife of Bath

Hey! I find it necessary for this blog to be written in pink (for the power of women). The Wife of Bath is a character, but in a way I find her tale bear truth on feminism in regards to that at this time in history women were not in charge, but she is trying to remind people that women should have power. She begins her tale with a knight raping a woman; however, why a knight? A knight is someone who is noble, loyal, and of high stature so why him? Is this another reference to her life that if the knight can screw up then so can she in a sense? Anyway his punishment is from the Queen to find out what women desire most. I find this rather interesting considering it was the queen who has the power (over the king) and I believe she sets him up for failure. (what are the chances he is going to find out?) In our class discussion it makes sense that the magical fairies or women were dancing around and then vanished. In the movie "O' Brother Where Art thou" there is a scene similar to this that lures the man in for them to sing them to sleep. So maybe these women are "luring" him over there for the old lady? The whole ending of this story was not surprising to me for the fact that the knight gives this woman "the thing they desire the most" which is power of their lovers or husbands; hence the transformation. I believe that the Wife of Bath is saying that if husbands and lovers would give the wife and women power and control then everything would be easier in a marriage; hence, of the men would have done that in her marriages she would not have killed them. I believe that the Wife of Bath herself is on the way to happiness only if the 6th husband lets her control them; I believe that she needs a submissive man. This submissiveness relates to feminism in the fact that at this time women were supposed to be submissive to men, but if this is the case then why can't women be the same way. The Wife of Bath is a strong and determined woman trapped in the wrong time in history.

WIfe of Bath tale

I feel as if the wife of Bath portrayed her tale in how she lived her life. The tale still gathers around her theory and feminism of how Women should have the control and power over men.

Lines 894-897"By verray force he rafte hire maydenheed. For which oppressioun was swich clamour And swich pursute unto the King Arthour, That dampned was this knight for to be deed" Lines 905 "The quene thanketh the king with al hir might, And after this thus spak she to the knight Whan that she saugh hir tyme, upon a day:"Lines 910 "I grante thee lyf, if though canst tellen me What thing is it that wommen most desyren."
Here it is describing how the Knight raped the maiden and King Arthur was to sentenced him to death. Then the Queen steps in and offers to save his life. If he can answer the question of What thing it is that women most desire. Why did the Queen step in. Shouldn't the King have full control over the choices that should be made. Even from the start of the tale I feel the Wife of Bath is showing how Women have control!!
With this being said.. The Knight could have chosen to run away but he did not. Therefore he has to go in search of what women most desire and the only way of finding this out is by speaking to women!
Lines 997 " Wheras he saugh upon a daunce go Of aldies foure and twenty and yet mo; Toward the whiche daunce he drow ful yerne, In hope that som wisdom sholde he lerne. But certeinly,er he came fully there, Vanisshed was this daunce, he knew not where." Why did the Wife of Bath draw towards a more mytheical approach of the women in the forest? All the women vanish and leave only one woman. Who the knight Quotes "A fouler wight ther may no man devyse." Is this showing how know matter what, the Knight will do and try anything to find the answer. He will rely on any woman he can to help him. He didn't seem at all concerned about the women vanishing.
I'm still confused if the woman really became gorgeous. I want to imagine that she did. I see the Wife of Bath making the knight rely and give all his power to this old woman then once he has married and promised her everything then the old woman's true beauty is revealed.
Lines 1267-1267"And Also I pray Jesus shorten their lives That will not be governed by their wives"
Again we see how the wife of Bath's life views come out into the tale. If the man does not let the woman control and govern him than he should die.
The Knight gave everything to this woman and thus they were able to live Happily to the end!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Chaucer's Retraction

In this last piece, Chaucer is asking God to forgive him for his sins. He is also asking Him to forgive him for his works and how he has written them. There may have been words that are inappropriate and not to God's likings, and of course Chaucer saw through that, but I guess that before he dies, he wants to be forgiven.

The Wife of Bath's Tale

So I have read the Wife of Bath's Tale, and I thought that this awkward. One thing I want to know is why would a knight come out of his character to rape a poor and innocent woman? That's just sick!! There were laws indeed and he did a sick crime to break them that could've put him to death, but instead the queen decided on babying him and had set up a punishment that would work. I don't see why she would go through the trouble when she could just say, "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!" So she told him that he has a year and a day to find out what a woman really wants. But if he don't find the truth within a year and a day, then his punishment would be his life. Once he agreed, he went off and when he started asking questions to the women, all he got was different answers, which was not the one he was looking for. I guess they were all about riches and rags. (I got that from MTV). On his way back to the court, he saw 24 women dancing. All of a sudden, they all vanish out of nowhere like they seen a ghost or something. Well, it all came down to this old hag who obviously knows the answer. The knight asked her for help but here's the catch: she would tell him the answer, but only if he promises to agree to what she's asking for. So he agreed (duh), so the queen let him go when he told her answer to the queen's question. But it didn't stop there. OH NO!! Remember the old hag's request? Well, at the court, she said that she saved him and should be married for her reward. Just for that...they did...THE NEXT DAY!!! She changed into this beautiful woman because he was unhappy with her looks. On line 1260 on pg 116, "A thousand tyme a-rewe he gan hire kisse,And she obeyed hym in every thyng.My question is shouldn't it be the other way around? If she saved his life, shouldn't he be obeying her? My other question is why having the queen been lenient on the punishment towards the knight? Yes, he has raped someone, but she should've gone by the law. I think it was either she was trying to teach him a lesson about women's values, or they were just pulling strings. Hmm...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Man of Law's Epilogue

Poor guy. Never got to tell his story. Wife of Bath took over.

The Miller's Tale

From the desriptioin of the Miller in the General Prologu, you got an idea of what kind of story he was going to tell. Having another man or woman in you house is always a dangerous thing when it comes to your spouses. John was very trusting and couldn't see that his wife was being persued by other men. Alison was too young to be married or at least not to John. What did they have in common? Nicholas was wrong for deceiving John and sleeping with his wife. And why in the world would Absolon go after someone he knows belongs to another.Plus Alison didn't even like him. All in all the Miller's Tale was fun to read. It was more up to dae and I could relate to it.

The Canterbury Tales - The Prologue

The Prologue introdices the characters that tell the tales that make up the Canterbury Tales. To me it does a better job explaining the social classes of the people than the introductiondoes and it tell why they are going to Canterbury. The Prologue begins with the highest ranking person being the Knight and ends with the lowest ranking person being the Pardon. I agree with the host that telling stories to and from Canterbury would make the trip more interesting. And a free meal is always a thing!

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

PART 1 AND 2
The story begins at Christmas time and the people are doing what they do best- eating and drinking. A tradition that is still alive today (family and friends gathering during the holidays). Women are becoming more prominent. The story speaks of Guenevere and the ladies attending the feast.
-When the Green Knight arrives I believe everyone is scared out of their minds. No one says a word. I wouldn't either if I saw this big green man riding a green horse.
-Who or what is the Green Knight? He crashes the party then demands to play a game. And what type of game does he suggest, have someone chop his head with his axe but keep in mind he gets to do it a year and a day later. No one in their right mind would play this game, but Sir Gawain accepts the challenge.
-What the hell!! Please pardon me. I am really confused. Sir Gawain cuts off the Green Knight's head but he doesn't die. The Green Knight picks up the head, talks and rides off in the sunset. This is another poem filled with illusins.
-Lots of detail is given to Sir Gawain's armor. I like the pentacle. The five points represents Sir Gawain's five senses, his five fingers, his fidelity, force and the five knightly virtues. Sir Gawain and the others in this story are very trusting. They will stay at anyone's house. Fortunately, the host is very nice.
-I take it the people of this time liked to play games. The host at the castle wants to play a game. And why are they kissing? They can seal a bet with a hand shake.
PART 3 AND 4
-Iwas so sure Sir Gawain and the host's wife was going to sleep together. She is very agressive. But Sir Gawain was a true gentleman. At the end of each game I bet the host was wondering who Sir Gawain was gettin the kisses from. He probably knew they was from his wife because the other lady was too ugly.
-A green girdle that protects you from harm. Okay! Good luck to Sir Gawain!!
- Sir Gawain finds the Green Chapel. I too would be terrified. I am still amazed someone would play this game. Luckily Sir Gawain survives to see another day, only getting a cut on his neck. I guess the green girdle works after all.
=Sir Gawain is really down about being untruthful. He sees the green girdle as a symbol of his sin. It was nice of Atthur and the court to decide to wear green belts. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was hard for me to get into at first. The first class discussion helped me to understand what was going on and made parts 3 and 4 easier to comprehend.

Beowulf

This is my second time reading Beowulf. I read it in high school and the only thing I remember is that there was a dragon that got killed. To be honest, I couldn't remember if Beowulf was the monster,dragon or hero.
-I just read where Grende; is attacking Herot. My question is what took so long for help to come. It's not clear whether the king sent for help to get rid of Grendel. Twelve years (I'm interpreting the twelve winters meant years.) went by before anything was done. Imagine the lives that could have been saved.
-Beowulf is kind of conceited. He has not seen Grende, but is so sure he will defeat the monster.
-Was confused at first when the poem referred to Sigemund. Now I see they are comparing Beowulf to Sigemund. Both were seen as true warriors and loved by everyone.
-The king makes a beautiful speech thanking Beowulf. To me Beowulfis stilling being conceited.He had to go on about what he wanted to do to Grendel. Everyone was just happy the monster was dead.
-Wow! I truely didn't remember Grendel's mom. Beowulf is a great example of illusion vs. reality. In reality Beowulf would have drowned from being underwater so long. I was impressed when Unferth gave Beowulf the sword,Hrunting. To me it seemed Unferth didn't like Beowulf. Unfortunately, the sword was worthless. Good thing asnother sword was available.
- Beowluf has truely accepted the responsibility of protector of the people. Even though he is old, he is battling a dragon. I too would probably fight the dragon if it burnt my house. However Beowulf is mortally hurt. I am proud of Wigfal for helping Beowulf fight the dragon. He realizes how important Beowulf has been and feels obligated to help.
-It was sad when Beowulf died. His funeral is similar to that of the Vikings. He will be forever remembered. It was fun reading Beowulf again. He is a good example of bravery, strength and courage.

The Wife's Lament

The Wife's Lament is about a woman who is suffering due to the absence of her husband. It is unclear why the husband is absent. I believe the husband and the wife had a forbidden love. The wife's comment of only death separating them leads me to this conclusion. The families of both may have been against them being together. The husband's family and friends probably had a stronger influence on him and convinced him to leave his wife. In the introduction to the poem it says the husband was a nobleman. I think not. My idea of a NOBLEMAN just wouldn't treat his wife like this.

The Wanderer

The Wanderer is about a man who is alone and is searching for a new lord. While on his journey, he thinks about his friends that have died in war and realizes there is no one left for him to share his thoghts and feelings with. The Wanderer fantasizes about having a lord and remembers the kinsmen that have died.
The Wanderer was a sad poem. I would have hated to be alone with no friends and no where to live.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Wife of bath prologue


The Wife of Bath can be desribed using three modern stereotypes: sex addict, control (power) freak, and a social butterfly (how she goes on and on with her story). I do not know exactly how I feel about the Wife of Bath sometimes I feel myself feeling sorry for her and at other times I laugh at the torture that she actually puts these guys through; it is as if she is punishing them for marrying her. What I do not understand is the many references she makes to the bible, God, Geneisis, the Saints, and so on. Is she a religious woman? Or is she trying to use these men from the Bible and their "many wives" in order to support the fact that just because she is a woman should not matter if she has had many husbands? I believe that using the bible serves as a justification to her actions: "I woot wel Abraham was an holy man/ And Jacob eek, as fertforth as I can/ And ech of hem hadde wyves mo than two" (61-63). I find it kind of humorous that she is a sex addict and the fact that she tortures her husbands to death until they give her what she wants: "An housbond shal it have, I wol nat lette/ Which shal be bothe my dettour and my thral" (160-161). She is saying that if she has to give her possesssions and her wealth to her husband than he must pay her in bed. I believe that based on her actions that she withholds her husbands pleasure and satisfaction in bed until they promise that they will give her money and anything that she desires. Do you think this is true? there is so much to say about the Wife of Bath, I believe that she learns from her mistakes and finally when she meets her last husband and actually loves him she is treated badly. I am still very confused whether her last husband is dead. She says, "Welcome the sixte, whan that evere he shall!/ For sothe I wol nat kepe me chast in al/ Whan myn housbond is from the world y-gon" (51-53). She states: When my husband is gone from the world. What do you guys think?




The Wife of Bath Prologue

The Wife of Bath has definately had an intersting life. I know that she is not my favorite character at all, she wasn't in the General Prologue and after this story, she definately isn't. I think she is a very strong women and knows what she wants and life and definately knows how to get it, but I don't like the way she has used her husbands to get what she wants. Since her first three were old, she would pretty much drive them insane telling them they were flirting with other girls, and they did all this stuff, just so they would feel guilty and she could get away with the things she wanted to do.

She tells everyone that she has had five husbands and the first one was when she was twelve years old. I'm pretty sure that at that time twelve years old was about the age when girls got married, but at twelve years old girls didn't know how to use there husbands the way she used hers!!

I think it's pretty funny how her last husband was the only one that she really "loved" and he treated her the exact same way that she treated her other husbands! I like the part when she tells about her "fight" with her last husband, and the fact that the fight was all over a book! I keep thinking about why she got so fired up over the book that he always read, I mean she was an evil wife to all of her husbands except this last one. Unless, she took it offensive now because she did not want him thinking thats they way she was, because that is not the way she treated him!

The only passage I really did not understand was lines 581-589, when she tells everyone about when she told Jankin that she had a dream about him, and that he slained her. Then after she tells about her dream, she says that she never had that dream. I understand about the dream that she says she had, but I do not understand why she would even tell Jankin that, or why she would tell everyone that part, if she did not dream about it?? Why did she make up the dream??

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Wife of Bath's Prologue

So I have read the Wife of Bath's Prologue, and I thought it was dark. As I was reading along, I was picturing her in this dark world because of the things she have done. She was explaining to people how she's an authority in the marriage, and how she married first husband at the age of 12. I don't get that!!! Was it a traditional thing to get married at that age, or she didn't want to be alone? In case, I felt that she used her men as her sex puppet just to get what she want. I also think that she used the Bible as an excuse for what she does like if the people can marry more than 1 person, than so can she. I don't understand when she stated at line 26, " God bad us for to wexe and multiplye." Now that part is similar to the one in the Bible. But in the Bible, doesn't that saying mean to make children instead of having a lot of husband? Well at this point, the Pardoner stepped in because he is planning to get married and what's bothering him is that he thinks that his wife will control his body. So the Wife of Bath told him her tale to see if it would tell the truth about marriage. I want to know why would she talk to him about marriage and she's the one who's treating her husbands like slaves? She's telling him how out of her five husbands, three of them are good and two of them are bad. The three she explained were rich and old, but admits to put them through hell by making them work. What I thought was funny was when she got hit on the head by her husband because she accused him of something stupid (I guess she wanted attention), so she ripped three pages of a book and hit him on the cheek and he didn't like that, so he just hit her.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Wife of Bath/Prologue


OK.so after reading the wife of Bath's prologue, I do not know what to think of this lady. She is something. I do not think she is my favorite character anymore.. The entire Prologue she tells of her husbands and her lies. How much can you really believe from her. She admits to her lies. She literally used her husbands in a way to get Money and land.

She has her own religious views and perspectives on how marriage should be. She speaks a lot at the beginning of procreation and virginity. Lines 111 "Virginitee is greet perfeccioun,And continence eek with devocioun.

The wife believes that she is the authority of Marriage due to all of her personal life experiences and people should learn from her ways. Lines 215-220 really reveals the truth of the Wife of Bath "A wys womman wol bisye hire evere in oon To gete hire love, ye, ther as she hath noon. But sith I hadde hem hoolly in myn hond, And sith they hadde me yeven all hir lond, What sholde I taken keep hen for to plese, But it were for my profit and myn ese? " Pretty much she does everything in her power to have her way.

Lines 203 "As three of hem were gode and two were badde" Mostly she speaks of her 4th and 5th husbands.
When the fourth husband passes away she pretends to act sad but truly she is not b/c she knows she has her 5th husband lined up. This man named Jankin who is a clerk. This is explained through lines 590-605 I still do not know what it is about her that would attract such a young man. Because at the time of marriage of her 5th husband the Wife of Bath was 40 and he was 20. Is it because of her sex?

Also its hard to feel sorry for her being partially deaf after reading how it happened. Lines 635-644

Throughout the entire prologue she keeps bringing up different Saints. I'm still confused of why she does this. Line 318 "Now by that lord that called is Seint Jame." Line 452 "By Saint Peter! I would curse you, if you did not love it well;" Line489 "But he was paid back, by God and by Seint Joce!" (Saint Josse) Line 610 "I hadde the prente of Seynte Venus seel."Line 680"A cardinal, that highte Seint Jerome"

Are these Saints part of her religious views?


One more thing is her real name Alisoun?

I have changed my view of The Wife of Bath. Now I'm going to go read her tale.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Miller's Prologue

The Miller's Prologue was kind of odd. You have the Knight who has told his tale to everyone. The Host asked the Monk to be next, but it has to be equal to the Knight's. So before the Monk could say anything, the Miller, as drunk as a cow, interrupted him. I guess he wanted his chance to shine or he was just drunk. This thing about the Miller: he's drunk, he's hardly sitting on top of his horse, and of course he's mean. I liked how the Host told him on pg. 40 on lines 20 that stated, "Some better man shall first tell us another." I think that the Host was mad about the Miller's drinking ways wanted him to calm down and wanted someone another person who can tell a tale that doesn't have any problems. So I guess the Miller got pissed and he made a threat-like statement by saying in lines 26, "For I will speak or else go my way." So of course the Host couldn't let him leave so he just let him tell his crazy tale. I wasn't surprise when Miller made a false statement that the Reeve had slepted with his wife because things happen when you're drunk!! It was a good thing that the Reeve had stand up for himself to tell him that it wasn't true and to watch his mouth. I think should've kicked his butt. As he's telling his tale, he's telling them, well I think the guys that he has a wife and he doesn't believe that he's a cheater. If that's the case, if you know that you're not a cheater, all you have to do is say that you're not a cheater with some confidence. To me, he's making it seem that he didn't do anything wrong in his marriage. But hey...he's a freakin' drunk!! What was interesting to me was that he didn't want anybody to blame him to what he was talking about and don't take it as a joke. I'm guessing that he want them to understand to where he's coming from and don't take the path that he went to.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Adultry, Trickery, and Profanity...

The Miller's Tale
I believe those three words sum up how the Millers Tale is played out. Its nice to see Chaucer take a totally different route in the Millers tale. This tale is vulgar and funny. This type of material normally makes readers more interested in the story. The Miller makes this story his own and relates it to his own Character. the Miller is drunk so you can get an idea from the start, that his tale is going to be unique, have comedy, and be differnt than your average love story with happy endings. Chaucer does point out in the Prologue before the tale starts that to not blame him for the words being spoken. Lines 66-73 "Hir tales alle, be they bettre or werse, Or elles falsen som of my matere. Or else falisify some of my material. And therefore, whoso list it nat y-here, turne over the leef, and chese another tale; For he shal finde ynowe, grete and smale, Of storial thing that toucheth gentillesse, And eek moralitee and holinesse. Blameth nat me if that ye chese amis." Not only is he warning the readers of what to expect of this tale but also maybe he is warning the other pilgrams also. They can choose to listen or not. With this being said it makes you want to read it. This is the outcome I believe Chaucer was hoping for.

As for the tale, It deals with lust, jealousy, and adultry, It makes for an interseting plot and outcome. John was a jealouse and protective man. I think he could have been a little more wise. Here you have John who is a very old man married to Sexy yr old Alisoun. When young Nicholas the astrologer comes to stay it seems John would have been a little more watchful of his wife and of this young Nicholas. Its funny how he can sleep through his wife being serenaded to by Absolon and of Nicholas and Alisoun making love; but yet when he is in the tub he heres Nicholas loud and clear when he is yelling Help, Water, Water!! LOL

With this story came alot of trickery; The making up of the 2nd flood was well thought out plan by Nicholas. With this aspect you can see where Chaucer had to be a religious man to know the Bible and to know of Noahs Flood. Even though this makes the plot funnier the use of pertraying the flood in this way; I feel to be wrong and normally is something I do not read. I do not feel that
stories from the Bible need to be made as a joke.
as far as the end of the tale; What happens to Alisoun? John is left to be thought as a crazy man Lines 738 "That he was holden wood in al the toun." So I do not see Alisoun returning to John. Do her and Nicholas go off to live together? I do not believe she wanted to be with Absolon. He was probably long gone after poking Nicholas with the poker. The tale could keep going....
Overall this tale was different from anything I normally read, but its good to see how and what was written long ago.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Favorite Character..


After reading the General Prologue do any of you have a specific character you like.

So far I believe my favorite is the Wife of Bath. She is the most interesting. Chaucer really goes into detail when he is describing her; from her looks, to her well being. Is this the type of women he liked? Is this wife of Bath religious? you have this lady who is deaf and you feel sorry for her but then she has been through 5 husbands. Her looks give a sexy about her.. "Hie hosen weren of fyn scarlet reed, ful streite y-teyd, and shoos ful moiste and new. Bold was hir face, and fair, and reed of hewe."But then it states "She was a worthy wommman al hir lyve." "She coude muchel of wandringe by the weye. Gat-tothed was she, soothly for to seye." She sounds like she knew her way in life and how to survive, but then the gapped teeth make her seem very ugly. I was researching more info http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projf983a/charac.htm on this page it says that during this time the gapping teeth symbolizes sensuality and lust.


So what is the meaning of the Wife of Bath on this pilgramage to Canterbury. Im anxious to read her tale then see if I still like her character

The Wife of Bath Pic


This is the Wife of Bath pic. She gets really upset when someone gets to the Mass before her. She has nice table manners as well. She even lick her lips before she drinks so that she won't have her lip markings on the cups.

Chaucer...The General Prologue

The picture are of the pilgrams on there way to Canterbury.
This is my first time ever reading any of Chaucer's writings and so far I am enjoying the reading. I like his style of writing. The middle English is also a little better to read than the Old English. In the General prolouge its nice to have both the middle English and then the translation. The writing is very unique and flows in rythm which makes it easier to read and enjoy the writing.

I really liked the General Prolgue in how it starts out in the spring and all the people will be going on a journey to Canterbury. Most were traveling for religious beliefs while others I think were just tag alongs. Lines 16-18 "Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende, The holy blisful martir for to seke, that hem hath holpen, whan that they were seke." I find it funny how the Pilgrams are to seek religious way but the story starts out in a Tabard. These pilgrams are religious but yet drink and drink alot!! Who is the narrator. Is he/she a pilgrim. The entire story is read from there point of view and perspective. example lines 37-42 To telle yow al the condicioun of ech of hem, so it seemed to me, And whiche they weren, and of what degree, And eek in what array that they were inne; And at a knight than wol I first beginne."

As they story continues the Host is introduced and offers each pilgram to take part in this game, To tell 2 tales on the way to Canterbury and 2 on the return home, whoever acheives and tells there tales the best receives supper. I believe the Host did this to maybe help pass they time on there travel. From what I gather each pilgram will take turns and just tell it as he/she rides. Were these tales that were to be told 100% true or did they make them up? I enjoyed how the Prologue flowed in its writing; I can really imagine how each character is betrayed and when the host introduces the tales the story is able to transition right ino the Canterbury Tales.

Chaucer's stories are funny and not so serious;which gives a new style altogether

The Canterbury Tales: The General Prologue

I like the reading of the General Prologue from The Canterbury Tales because of two reasons: (1) for every two lines, there’s a line in Middle English, and the line that’s translated in Modern English. (2) Some of the characters in the poem are portrayed differently. Now in this poem, I would see why the travelers would pick the seasonal time to go on a pilgrimage. In April, the wind is blowing softly, flowers growing, but there’s nothing wrong with going in the rain. All you gotta do is cover up!!!! One of the interesting things was that the narrator (who was Geoffrey Chaucer himself), was one of the travelers. So it was easier for him to talk about those who were with him. I wan to start with the Knight. He is a noble guy who’s all about loyalty, honor, and always kind to others. He has a particular son, the Squire, who’s really good-looking, well-dressed, and also knows how to ride a horse. He also impresses the ladies by playing the rote (a string instrument). The Yeoman, who follows the Knight and the Squire, wears green all over his body like he’s a turtle or something. I thought he was trying to be Robin Hood when it stated that he carried a big bow with arrow. Ummm ok…Robin Hood wears green and has a bow and arrows….The Yeoman wears green and has a bow and arrows…Hmmm…I don’t want to think they are brothers…lol. The Prioress I can is pretty much a decent woman who knows her table manners. She kind of has a childish side if something happens to her animals. She would cry when she sees a mouse caught in a trap. She would cry when she’s roasting her dog. Why would you cry about that and you are killing an animal you care about? That’s sick!! The next person on the list is the Monk who’s quite handsome. I was confused about his situation when I read about his profile. If the Monk has an order he suppose to go by, why would he want to ignore it to go hunting and do other things? It got me thinking that he loves outside activities more than what he suppose to be doing as a Monk. The Friar on the other hand is alike to the Monk because he has a religious order, but lives with it in a different way. I think he’s a lady’s man because he’s making himself known with the innkeepers and barmaids. I also think that he’s mean because he doesn’t pay any attention to the beggars and lepers. Yes they are sick and they couldn’t do much help for him, but he could’ve least show them that he did noticed them. I like the Merchant because he’s different than the other characters, he wouldn’t tell anybody that he’s in debt. That’s what I like about him…he doesn’t say anything!!! But he would borrow money though just to get his way through. The Clerk, who is studying in philosophy, is a weird man. He’s either a man or a beast. He eats books instead of reading them. Why? I don’t know. He probably been eating those books because he probably thought the books looked delicious, and he had the need to eat them. Hmmm…the Man of Law…I can’t say much about him except that he’s always on the run when it seems that he gets busy. Franklin is kind of a happy person who loves his bread and wine. I love bread; I use bread to make Pb&J’s...lol. The Shipman is a sneaky little thing. He steals from others when he’s broke. He even stole from the merchant while he was sleeping. The Doctor of Medicine takes care of people when they are down, and he knows not so much of the Bible, which is ok as long as you know who God is. But what I didn’t get is that the narrator said that the doctor’s favorite’s medicine is gold!!! Like there’s ever such thing… is there??? My favorite character of them all is the Wife of Bath. She gets pissed when someone gets to the Mass before her. I’m afraid that she can break someone’s head off if she doesn’t goes first. She may be deaf but she’s not blind. She even married five husbands with her nasty self!! It’s not like she needs five guys to please her. I hate the Miller!!! All he does is make rude jokes, drinks, and break things. The good thing is is that he has a wart on his nose. Now that’s funny!! The Summoner is one ugly guy!!! His face is all red like a raw red velvet cake. Taking control of women for your own power is very wrong and I think that the narrator was trying to put it in a seductive way. The Pardoner I believe likes to sing and loves his beautiful hair. I think he loves himself a whole lot.
While the travelers were on their way to Canterbury, the Host explained to them that if anybody can tell two good tales, then one of them will be treated with supper and he will ride with that person. That’s a gamble to me just for a little supper. But everybody had drawn straws and the Knight was up to go first.

The Miller's Tale

Chaucer wrote these stories in the 14th century, but it feels like the Miller's Tale was written in this century, this story deals with so much stuff that go in today's society. The story deals with cheating, love, lust, jealousy, lying and of course a drunken guy.

So far, this is my favorite story that we have read. I guess it is one of the easiest stories to relate to, since there are so many themes that go on in todays society. The story begins with telling the reader that John was an older man, married to a young 18 year old women, which he was a very jealousy of all the attention she got from other men, because she was so young and pretty. Then comes Nick [the astology student] who like every other man, finds Alisoun attractive, he flirts with her, and at first she isn't interested due to the fact that she is married. But after a while, she becomes interested in Nick and they decide to make a scheme. Nick told John that a flood was coming and he would have to put his bathtub on the roof and sleep up on the roof all night, if it was me, I would have a hard time believing that story! Nick couldn't come up with ANYTHING better to tell John?? Of course, the "flood story" worked, so all three of them [John, Nick and Alisoun] went on the roof and Nick amd Alisoun waited till John fell asleep then they went downstairs [just downstairs, they could have went someplace farther away] and slept together. Everything was going as planned, but they forgot one person, Absolon, I guess his part was to provide more of a funnier feel to the story. I feel bad for him, because he was so in love with Alisoun, but she just used him as her comedy. Then after EVERYTHING that went on, Nick and Alisoun made John look like a fool and a crazy old man!

The only problem I have with the story is, how could John sleep through everything that went on with Absolon, Alisoun and Nick?? He slept until Nick got branded in the butt and was screaming water!! They couldn't have been that quiet!

I found these pictures on a website...http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/millimg.htm
The first picture is the begininning when Nick came to live with John & Alisoun, the second pictures is John building the bathtub for the "flood" & the third one is when Nick & Alisoun had sex that night.







Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Miller's Tale

The miller "was a stout carl for the nones/ ful big he was of brawn, and eek and bones" (lines 549 and 550). He was a very stout and strong man; he ripped the doors off their hinges; he was also loud, obnoxious, and had a bad mouth: He was a janglere and a goliardeys/ and that was most of sinne and deeds of harlotry (lines 562 and 563). I took this line not only did he curse and have a bad mouth and manners, but he was also drunk. The Miller portrayed to the lower class as the knight related to the upper class and nobility. This tale was very humorous, ditry, and rude. However, I did not understand why even in the lower class a young woman would cheat? Was that common? Even this character relates to the strong, body builder type. He was like a class clown who would lighten the mood in order to tell a joke; however, he also took advantage of people and their money; he did anything he could to better himself in a negative fashion; he would cheat people in order to become richer. I wonder though what does the bag pipe have to do with the tale and character that Chaucer is trying to portray? There are a lot of funny videos and good acts of this tale on you tube. Here is an example of this tale with legos haha. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nDCrmO-Weg
Tabard Inn (drawing below)

The General Prologue of the Canterbury tales was a magnificent way to start the story. This prologue serves as the introduction or exposition in the present day story. Geoffrey Chaucer sets up the story in a specific time, place, and season. For instance, "Whan that Aprill with his shoures sote/ The droughte of Marche hath perced to the rote" (lines 1 and 2). Chaucer sets this tale up with an analogy to Spring and new beginnings, not to mention a time for travel. Hence, the pilgrimages to religious shrines (in this case Canterbury) in this nice blooming new weather.
I looked up information on the Tabard Inn, where this story begins, and Chaucer must have came into contact with this place. Drinking perhaps? For instance, states in the Wikipedia, a universal and often sometimes not credible site, states that the Tabard Inn, located in Southwark, England on Borough High Street was established in 1307, and often served as an accomodation to the large amount of pilgrims
that headed on the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Thomas a Beckett in Canterbury. Also, this Inn was owned by Harry Bailey. Therefore, Chaucer used real life people and real places for his tales. Just like an exposition, Chaucer explains to his readers the individual characters. I also find this interesting considering his character types are still present in our society. For instance, the Wife of Bath, had five husbands, was very flirtatious, dramatic, and needy (the present day gold digger or someone who marries a lot of men either out of pickyness or money) and, the squire, a lusty bachelor, a player in present terms; he is very handsome and I picture him to be cocky. Every character type in this story can be found in the present.
This is a picture of Thomas a Becket's holy shrine still located in the Canterbury cathedral. He was assassinated in the cathedral by the followers of Henry II of England. Thomas a Becket was a martyr and a saint according to the Roman Catholic. I believe that because of Chaucer's London connections he knew of this tragedy and sainthood. It is amazing how much of the Canterbury Tales bare truth around the time of Chaucer.
My last picture is that of Zephirus, the Greek God of the west wind. He was also known as the messenger of Spring. I find this very interesting that Chaucer knew of this God. Did Chaucer study greek mythology? Or how did this fit in with his personal life?



Monday, February 9, 2009

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight- first half overview

At kings Arthur's court, during New Years Eve, a warrior by name of the Green Knight pays a visit. He challenges King Arthur to a game. The Green Knight proposes that King Arthur strike him with his own axe and the Green Knight will get to do the same a year later. Arthur, who is shocked, hesitates to say anything. The Green Knight then mocks his silence causing King Arthur to step up to the plate. As soon as King Arthur grabs the axe, Sir Gawain jumps up and offers to take the challenge himself. He then grabs the axe and in one blow, he takes the Green Knight's head off. Just when everyone thought he was dead, he stands up and puts his head back on as if nothing happened. The Green Knight reminds him of the deal, then he leaves out of sight.

As Autumn arrives, on the day of the Saints, Sir Gawain leaves Camelot and goes to find the Green Knight. He heads towards north wales, traveling through the wilderness of northwest Brittan. On Christmas day, he comes across a castle. The lord of the castle welcomes Sir Gawain. After being introduces to the lord's lady, the host makes a deal with Sir Gawain; the host will go ou hunting with his men and when they return, the host will exchange his food for anything Sir Gawain has managed to get by staying behind at the castle. Sir Gawain agrees then goes to sleep.

The General Prologue

I just finished reading The General Prologue, and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't too sure what to expect when reading this story, I've heard about the Canterbury Tales but never read any of the stories. I really didn't think it was going to be as intersting as it was, I guess I like because of how he wrote it...starting the story out at the end of the Spring, and telling the reader that now everyone takes trips to Canterbury, then going into each person on the voyage, then at the end the game being set up.

I really liked how this was the first part of the Tales, because it gave me an understanding of each of the travelers. The writer went into great detail about each person, so I was able to have a picture in my mind of what each person looked like, and how they acted. Know when I read the tales of each person I will have a greater understanding of the person and who they are. I do like how the guy at the Inn sets up the game they are all going to be involved in, and tells the instructions of the game in this story, because know I understand what all the stories after The Generals Prologue are for!

I was a little thrown off towards the end, after he finishes the travelers stories, he goes into talking about re-telling stories, is he telling the reader that not all the stories are 100% true because they were told by mouth?? Or is the the host of the inn talking, and telling the travelers about the game, he is setting up for them to play on their voyage??

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Part 1 & 2

I really like parts 1 & 2 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Well, except those 4 lines that comes in every paragraph. I was sooo confused. Anyways, this poem goes back when the Greeks destroyed Troy. In Part 1, it was New Years; there were a lot of festivities going on. People having fun, laughing, and having the time of their lives. There were even those that were just drunks. This also goes back in the Renaissance Period. So the Green Knight, who rode on horse, strolled in like he was the best there was, asked for the captain out of the group. He wanted someone to hit him with his axe. The exchange would be that someone would strike him back. As soon as he asked that, there was nothing but silence. There were probably even crickets chirping. The one thing I didn't quite catch was lines 246-249. I think it meant that some were scared to even say a word and let the person who's courageous even to speak out. Instead, King Arthur had some dignity and talked to him himself. I was shocked when the Green Knight called out the knights for a challenge. I just wanted to know why none of them had the guts to face him. It's not like he wanted to kill them or anything. Is it because they didn't want to get embarrassed, or they didn't want to lose their reputation as a knight? If so, a knight should've had the courage to stand up and face a challenge, but it's not like they had a choice in the matter. So they're sitting on the benches with their strengths nothing compared to the Green Knight. Here's the thing: here in the 21st century, when we get called out for a fight or "challenge," we can either accept it or leave and call it a day. Back then, it wasn't like that. Whoever was called out, have to accept it no matter the circumstances. Now here's what's terrifying me: Sir Gawain cut the Green Knight's head off and I guess he thought that he knew he was going to die just like that. I was fooled that he was going to die in an instant. The knight picked his own head off and told Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel so that he came receive the same blow that he gave the Green Knight. In Part 2, Sir Gawain was all armored and shielded up and even wore a pentangle (a five - pointed star). I felt that just because he wore that, he feels that he accomplished something. So while on his trip, he found himself at some sort of castle where he was greeted by a host. Lord Bertilak & his wife were there as well. But there were some exchanges involved between them and he accepted it. But didn't Gawain accept a previous request? I liked where the wife tried to seduce Gawain and he kind of backed away, well except for the three kisses. But he did keep the girdle. I guess he needed it against the Green Knight or something like that. When he left to find him, he saw him fixing his axe like he was ready to fight. But Gawain, clueless as ever, bends over to get the blow that was agreed upon, but turns out he found out that it was a game the whole entire time. At that point, he was feeling shame and had to wear the girdle. I would've felt shame too if I would've been in his position.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part 3 and 4


In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" it is perhaps the wife's green girdle that leads to his sins. "For the man that possesses this piece of silk/If he bore it on his body, belted about/ There is no hand under heaven that could hew him down/ For he could not be killed by any craft on Earth" (199-200 lines 1851-1854). Gawain decided to take the wife's girdle in order to save his life against the Green Knight; however, he lied to the host, Bertilak, and dishonored his loyalty. (one of his five virtues) I wonder why a girdle? Is it because a girdle is a sexual item in which the wife is trying to get Gawain to commit? Or the fact that it is made "of gay green silk" (199 line 1832). I think right then green signifies the Green Knight. I find this game very interesting simply for the fact that Bertilak is hunting animals, while his wife is "hunting" Gawain.
I also want to say that the way this tale ends is amazing for the fact that I had suspected the host to be The Green Knight,but it was confirmed. The Green Knight barely cut Gawain and spared his life. I wonder why? So everyone would know that the great Sir Gawain, knight of the round table, lied and lived the rest of his life with a girdle on his wrist? I find this very interesting that Morgan La Faye, the old lady, is behind this whole tale in order to do anything she can to ruin the lives of King Arthur and his wife.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Grendel

Here is a picture that I found online of Grendel. Although it seems a little exaggerated, this picture expresses how powerful Grendel was and why he was feared by many.

Beowlf-intro

Beowulf was truly an intelligent, powerful and resourceful man. He approached the Danes in a most impressive ship, built for a warlord, it had every kind of armor and weapon you can think of. One thing about this time era that I don't like, is how complicated the speech is.In my opinion this story could be cut in half if it was fully converted into modern day English. I don't know if it's just me or not but I've spent a lot of time just trying to figure out what the hell their trying to say. But enough about that, I think that the overall story and plot was great. There are three antagonist in the story of Beowulf; Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Grendel is a monster that kills who ever it can get its claws around. Although this monster fears Beowulf, it is more of less invincible to the Danes, but perhaps Grendel is just misunderstood, like we discussed in class, Grendel is just trying to get sleep but all he hears at night is the sound of music and laughter coming from the kingdom. I can't really blame him for being angry at the Danes but he deffinitly takes it to far when he pretty much slaughters a bunch of them setting of a chain of events that eventualy leads to his downfall by the hands of Beowulf.

*Finishing Up Beowulf*

Ok...so when Beowulf heard of the news about Grendel, he knew that he couldn't let it go. He explained to King Hrothgar of his adventures with his previous enemies (which I thought was bragging). He also explained that he's a match to Grendel. To me, I was thinking that he was saying that he's equal to him in strength, power, etc. At first, I thought he didn't know what he was getting himself into because he never saw him before. As the story go on, he told the king that if Grendel wins, then he will come in the war-hall without any hesitation, and take him away and do whatever he likes. So the king accepted his request to fight by his side which of course was a feast to welcome him. I mean who wouldn't want to hold a party...lol. So everybody was having a good time; people talking and laughing, etc. The king wished Beowulf good luck and hope for the best.
~Fighting Grendel~
Now in reality, when the guards are supposed to be on actual "guard," they are not supposed to be slacking off by any means necessary. But in this situation, these guards were slacking off, which was totally funny. It led Grendel to dart off because it was his chance. You know whose fault this was...the guards for not paying attention!!! So after the fight began, Beowulf and the gang began to fight the big bad wolf and one thing they noticed was the sharp pain on Grendel's shoulder and arm. The pain came from that awesome wound Beowulf inflicted upon him. So Grendel died from the sword being forced into the demon's scales which totally heroic!! U know if there's a victory, there’s a celebration (Hercules did it).
~Fighting Grendel's Mother~
Grendel's mother got agitated because her son died (like we care); so to start off to avenge his death, she had the nerve to take the trophy, which was her son's bloodied hand. When Beowulf found out, he and his group went out to the battlefield. During the fighting, Beowulf glanced at a certain sword that was attached in her armory that could be quite useful to him only. So he took the sword (as in stealing the sword), and struck her in the neck-bone which indeed caused her severe damage. He also cut her freaking' head off in the process which was NASTY!!! And yes there was a celebration!!!
~The Awakening Dragon~ (MUAHAHAHA!!!)
When I read that someone had awakened the dragon from its deep sleep, I was like....WHY!!! After the dragon awaken, it got out of control. The dragon burned down everything that meant to Beowulf. When Beowulf knew, it made him turned into the incredible hulk. So during the fight, the dragon struck him in his neck. After that happened, the king and others came to his aid and help him kill the dragon. Even though that was good part, the bad part was that Beowulf was poisoned. He died from that effect and there was a respectable funeral for the courageous hero.

Sir Gawain Part 1 &2

So I finished reading the first 2 parts of the story. It is different from our readings in Beowulf but in a sense they have some of the same aspects. What I gather the author is still unknown in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It has the religious background and interprets religion throughout the plot thus far. It has this mysterious mythical side. I still am trying to figure the Green Knight out. No one knows who he is but yet he comes into King Arthur's court and he is asking for a fight. I find Sir Gawain a very courageous man to step forward willing to fight this Green Knight so that his uncle; King Arthur does not have to. The Green Knight and Sir Gawain are two extremely different characters The Green Knight is huge and stout compared to Sir Gawain with his boyish features. Who and What is this Green Knight who is so strong and does not die. he is like a supernatural being. Lines 415-443 Sir Gawain raises the ax and strikes at the Green Knight. Then there he stands headless. I find it funny how he then just picks up his head places it in his hand and still carries on a conversation. Then in lines 451 "To the Green Chapel come, I charge you, to take Such a dint as you have dealt; you have well deserved That your neck should have a knock on New Year's morn." Here the Green Knight is challenging Sir Gawain to a battle. Is the Green Knight meant to be a mean creature or just looking for someone to fight him? I am anxious to see if he the Green Knight can be killed and will Sir Gawain be the one to do this. Why is the Green Knight wanting a fight in the first place at the Green Chapel? I will have to read on to find out. When Sir Gawain speaks of the seasons; does that mean an entire year has past before he goes off to find the Green Knight? had Sir Gawain been training to fight the Green Knight up until he left??
I like imagining how Sir Gawain looks after he has placed on his gear and now takes on the look of a Knight! His boyish features covered.
Religious views are throughout the story as well. During the Christmas season Sir Gawain speaks of Mary and prays that God will protect him in his voyage. then "five joys" are mentioned which are annunciation, nativity, resurrection, ascension, and assumption.
Also I noticed within the 14-15 century story's that women are more betrayed and spoken of. line 52 "And the loveliest ladies that lived on earth ever" then also women are spoken off in lines 941-970
I'm looking forward to the rest of the reading. Can't wait to see what happens next

The end of Beowulf


What a fascinating story. upbove is a drawing of Beowulf. I wasn't for sure if Beowulf was going to die or be alive by the end. What a tragic and heroic story. I felt sorry for Beowulf; that he went his entire life without loving or having a family. but then the betrayal of his character was meant to be the hero. The one that fights for his people and would die to save them.
The Dragon: In a way I cant blame the dragon for being highly upset and ready to burn and kill everything in its path to get revenge from the thief stealing from his treasures. (Lines 2287-2293)"When the dragon awoke, trouble flared again. He rippled down the rock, writhing with anger when he saw the footprints of the prowler who had stolen too close to his dreaming head. so may a man not marked by fate easily escape exile and woe by the grace of God." When Beowulf heres of the news he is ready for battle to fight the dragon until the dragon or he is dead. Even though Beowulf is no longer young his strength and courage is still there and ready for the battle. I know he is fighting for his people but I can also see that he is fighting for his own self pride as well. pg 100 the last lines (3180-3182) state "They said that of all the kings upon earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame." Beowulf's entire life was spent fighting and helping his people. At his death he wanted to see the treasures for himself; maybe a sense of accomplishment that he knew he had fought till death and now it was time for God to take him away. I believe that he was proud and the he felt he lived a full and well life. Again this was an awesome story of a true hero. even though it ended with Beowulf's death I still would have like to see more writing on what happened to his people.