Chaucer's Social Class

Jordan (1992) states, “The pursuit of extra textual “meanings” produces the familiar interpretative conceptions of the Canterbury Tales as “human comedy”, “roadside drama,” and spiritual and ethical allegory.” . In other words Chaucer uses romantic French literature and contrasts it as a parody with crude English customs and humour. One of the ways in which this tale is portrayed

The Social Status of the Elizabethan Era     The social class of the Elizabethan Era was very different from each other as they were thought to be created by God himself. There were three groups: The upper class, developing middle class, and the lower class. Each class had two parts. The upper class had monarchs and nobles, the middle class had gentry and merchants, and the lower class had yeoman and laborers. These groups were very distinct from each other.

It is clear that Geoffrey Chaucer was acutely aware of the strict classist system in which he lived; indeed the very subject matter of his Canterbury Tales (CT) is a commentary on this system: its shortcomings and its benefits regarding English society. In fact, Chaucer is particularly adept at portraying each of his pilgrims as an example of various strata within 14th century English society. And upon first reading the CT, one might mistake Chaucer's acute social awareness and insightful characterizations as accurate portrayals of British society in the late 1300s and early 1400s. Further, one might mistake his analysis, criticism, and his sardonic condemnation of many elements of British culture for genuine attempts to alter the

In Chaucer's writing, he criticizes the different parts of his society. He dips into the stories of the higher class as well the lower and middle class. The Drill Team that I wrote about fits into Chaucer’s idea of criticizing the society. The captains would be an example of the higher class. The higher class thinks they are better than everyone else and it is evident in both Chaucer’s story and my society. I am also criticizing the modern day high school and how it makes me miserable and that after I leave I will be able to do more than I am able to now. This poem is also an example of how sensitive kids in the society are today. It talks about messing up during a performance and being embarrassed about it. Messing up is not a big

Child sexual abuse is a common occurrence. We recently talked about the Jerry Sandusky case, Discuss the ways in which Chaucer examines class and social status in The Canterbury Tales.

One looking at the theme, one could easily say that it is all about the power of women. Chaucer used the strong female character to get this across, and many believe that it likely would not have worked if the author had not first established such a strong voice. Early scholars argued that the book was more about marriage than it was female strength (Kittredge, 1912). Whatever the case, it is clear that Chaucer’s primary focus was on explaining the role women might play in society if they were able to.

What importance does social class have over population as a whole, has it’s importance changed and if it hasn’t will it ever change? While reading The Canterbury Tales, many of these questions were answered before anyones could even create them through the stories of the Prioress, Parsons and the Knight. For instance, in modern day we place; the rich, famous, and politics in the upper class. But has that changed over time and do you think that it ever will? Many do believe that social class deficiency has changed and that it will not cease to change. Now, whether it’s changes for the better or worse, that’s for individuals to decide.

In Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, social class is the backbone of the book. This is shown countless times through stories told by the pilgrims as well as how the story is structured. It is noticeable off the bat that the upper class is shown respect and given priority over the middle and lower class pilgrims, the prime example being the knight telling the first tale, and the host attempting to have stories told based in order of class. It should also be noted that it is very hard to move up the social ladder, so many of these pilgrims are not only used to being put in their place, but tend not to argue about their social ranking with exception to the drunk Miller. This idea of respecting the upper class is still strongly shown in today’s world as the upper class is viewed as higher than everyone else. In E*TRADE’s commercial, this is strongly shown as the upper class is depicted as luxurious, peaceful, and most importantly exclusive.

Life in the Middle Ages was a very segregated thing. Social classes were not always allowed to speak to be around or see other classes. This would end up causing many disputes throughout the kingdoms. The social classes were divided by their wealth.

Social class distinction remains a common theme throughout Shakespeare's plays. Shakespearean era society possessed a structured hierarchy of social class, based largely on wealth and nobility. This system influenced social interactions among the population and often guided marriage arrangements. Shakespeare’s commentary on social class, in his comedy Twelfth Night, exposes the divide humorously, by displaying ironic interactions between varying social classes. Twelfth Night places a variety of characters from different social classes in close quarters, causing inevitable conflict among classes.

Throughout this essay , I will be looking at the theme of social class in Jane Austen’s work ; critically analysed by Juliet McMaster, a chapter taken from ‘The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen’, edited by Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster. Jane Austen's novels at first glance tell a story of romance, set within the landowning society amidst country estates, and their cultivation of tea parties, social outings, and extravagant balls; ladies frolicking in flowing gowns through decorated rooms, and men deliberating over their game of whist. The storybook romance usually unfolds in these familiar settings, and inevitably involves the conflict of two lovers separated by differences in social class, and the resulting influence of the

Social classes play a major role in society and shape the roles of the people. Since the Elizabethan period began, the social classes were well structured with many influences, such as prestige or wealth. Many citizens found ways to elevate their status and become more successful citizens in the public. The social class structure in the Elizabethan Era was thought to be strict and very well organized, yet still had many opportunities and flaws which lead to changes in citizens’ lives.

Chaucer’s use of middle-English (Vernacular) helped readers to better understand more about the rising middle class being that this was the dialect used by the rising middle class at the time it helps to show how they really thought, felt, and lived. When understanding a culture something as seemingly trivial as vocabulary and grammar differences truly effect the views of society and people with in certain settings and time periods. “The Canterbury Tales opens with a general Prologue that introduces the pilgrims,

The Miller’s Tale in the Canterbury Tales introduces the conflict between the social classes. According to the notes, this group of twenty-nine in the company (group)/ of assorted people] plus the host, covers a wide range of social classes. Norton’s, introduction to Chaucer points out, medieval culture was strictly divided between three social classes- aristocrats, clergy (those associated with church), and “everybody else” (Canterbury Tales Pezi notes).

Chaucer does not only the tale to show off his writing abilities -- it is not simply a display of his incredible versatility as an author.  Chaucer uses this tale to contrast his anti-church sentiments within the Canterbury Tales; it shows his great respect for spiritual beliefs and benefits him in making his argument against the Church.  In essence, Chaucer is clearly defending his anti-secular position by showing his reverence and devotion to spirituality; his problems lie with the Church, not the faith. While very well known for his sardonic criticism of the Church, he is less often acknowledged for his appreciation and respect for the religion itself.