1. Medieval Narratives March 8, 2013

2. The Medieval Reader Narrative- a type of writing that relates a series of events Common themes: – Religion – Issues of love – Exemplary life & behavior – Political & Societal Issues – Often humorous

3. 4 Types of Medieval Narratives 1.) Ballad- Tells a story and has a regular pattern of rhythm and rhyme – Example: Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Modern Example: Chicago 2.) Medieval Romance- An adventure tale with extravagant characters, exotic places, heroic events, passionate love, and supernatural forces – Example: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, – Film Examples: Ever After, King Arthur

4. 3.) Allegory- Every character and event is a symbol that represents an idea, religious principle, or moral – Example: The Lord of the Flies, Romeo & Juliet, Movies: Fight Club, Batman, The Shawshank Redemption 4.) Moral Tale- illustrates a moral lesson, such as a fable – Example: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Tortoise and the Hare – Film Example: Saw, Shrek

5. Geoffrey Chaucer Born sometime between 1340-1343 CE in London Mark on English language Not of noble blood, but served as an attendant to the family of King Edward III. – Became acquainted with upper-class life Main career was in diplomacy – Writing was a sideline career Died in 1400, buried in Westminster Abbey

6. The Canterbury Tales Collection of verse and prose tales 20,000 lines were written at the time of his death – However, many more tales had been planned Offers a vivid portrait of English society during the Middle Ages Contains 30 characters, all of which tell a tale – Clergy, aristocrats, and commoners

7. Frame Story – Allows for deeper characterization of the pilgrims 30 pilgrims travel to the shrine at Canterbury and agree to exchange stories along the way. The Prologue introduces each member of the group The Pardoner’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Narrative Poem