Questions About The Canterbury Tales

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Answered Questions (8)

Did others have trouble understanding the antiquated English?

José Consider that it's actually Middle English and not modern English, I'm not surprised. This is the second phase in the evolution of our language and is…moreConsider that it's actually Middle English and not modern English, I'm not surprised. This is the second phase in the evolution of our language and is closer to what we speak today. Jonathan Swift is an antiquated version of what we speak. This is something entirely different. Understanding Chaucer in the original requires reading as part of a class. In fact, we had to memorize the first 18 or so lines of the prologue. I hope you enjoyed it.(less)

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whether we are getting a feeling of oneness when reading the different tales from different individuals ?where we have to give concentration up on the historical and literary aspects or linguistic importance ?

Lawrence Hi, Mohanan. I just saw your questions. I''m not sure what you mean by "oneness". But I do feel close to the pilgrims because I see them a people.. Su…moreHi, Mohanan. I just saw your questions. I''m not sure what you mean by "oneness". But I do feel close to the pilgrims because I see them a people.. Such is Chaucer's art. But also the work has unity that is created by the "tale"" of the pilgrims that is told between the "Tales". As to your second questions, I think that our concentration should focus on the work itself as a story. The reason is that, no matter its language or historical context, it is a living work of art. In this sense,, it is modern. As for the language and historical context, they are a means to understanding the Tales as a work of art.(less)

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is there a modern-english version of this? i'd like to read that before tackling the original 0:

Elizabeth Look for the modern-English translation by Nevill Coghill. Penguin Classics publishes it.

He tries to preserve the rhythm and cadence of the original …moreLook for the modern-English translation by Nevill Coghill. Penguin Classics publishes it.

He tries to preserve the rhythm and cadence of the original poetry while updating the language for the modern reader. (less)

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what is the difference between 'The Canterbury Tales' and 'The Parson's Tale'?

Colin Hoad The Canterbury Tales is made up of many different short stories told by each of the pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. The Parson's Tale is just…moreThe Canterbury Tales is made up of many different short stories told by each of the pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. The Parson's Tale is just one of those stories.(less)

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I'm looking for an annotated version in Middle English. Any recommendations?

Colin Hoad Jill Mann's Penguin Classics edition. It is in the original Middle English but contains on-page glosses to translate unusual words or phrases. It also…moreJill Mann's Penguin Classics edition. It is in the original Middle English but contains on-page glosses to translate unusual words or phrases. It also has an excellent introduction that helps set the context for the book, highlights important themes and also provides some assistance in understanding the syntax and grammar of Middle English.(less)

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