Lecture Notes: Historical Context of The Canterbury Tales

Introduction

• Podcast Overview: Focus on historical context for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.
• Expectations: Attention to material, potential quizzes, relevance to projects, essays, and exams.

Geoffrey Chaucer

• Father of English Poetry: Chaucer's significant contributions to English literature.
• Time Period: Lived during the second half of the 14th century, nearing the end of the Middle Ages.
• Cultural Transition: His work reflects both historical society and foreshadows the Renaissance.

Disclaimer

• Historical Oversimplification: The lecture compresses complex history into accessible terms for understanding Chaucer's societal depiction.

Norman Conquest (1066)

• End of Anglo-Saxon Era: Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror.
• Relation Between Normans and Anglo-Saxons: Both groups are Germanic tribes; William related to Anglo-Saxon kings.
• Impact on Language and Culture: French culture/language dominated for 300 years post-conquest.

Medieval Society Structure

• Three Estates:
  • Aristocracy
  • Clergy (Church)
  • Peasantry
• Power Dynamics: Gradual shift towards the peasantry over time.

The Domesday Book

• Commissioned by William: Inventory of land and possessions to effectively collect taxes.
• Norman Names Dominance: Shift from Anglo-Saxon to Norman names among landowners.

Language Dynamics

• French: Language of the aristocracy; rough dialect of French.
• Anglo-Saxon: Spoken by rural people and peasants.

Feudalism

• Definition: Hierarchical system of relationships claiming God as ultimate authority.
• Structure: Top-down power with little mobility.
• Knights and Loyalty: Central to social behavior; breaking codes risks system stability.

Role of Women in Medieval England

• Chivalric Code: Idealized women but imposed limitations on their real-life roles.
• Courtly Love: Relationship between knights and ladies was nonsexual; violation led to social collapse.
• Women’s Duties: Primarily focused on reproduction and household management.

The Crusades

• Impact: Long Holy Wars against Muslims; introduced new trade and knowledge.
• Emergence of Merchant Class: Growth and influence due to increased trade from Crusaders returning with goods.

Urban Growth & Education

• Founding of Universities: Oxford and Cambridge established, challenging monastic learning.

Church Changes

• Thomas Becket's Assassination: Renewed sympathy for the Church, leading to corruption.
• Magna Carta (1215): Foundation for English constitutional law; established rights for citizens, including trial by jury.

Decline of Feudalism

• Black Plague (1348): Significant population reduction, labor shortages empowered workers.
• 100 Years War: Fostered national identity; common man (yeoman) emerged as military symbol.

Conclusion

• Transition: Movement towards a more democratic society at the end of the Middle Ages.
• Next Podcast: Introduction to The Canterbury Tales and its language.