The unmatchable brilliance of English author Geoffrey Chaucer as a poet can’t get restrained to a particular accreditation. His command in several literary traits makes him an unparalleled English poet even in the current century. Narrative excellence and descriptive prowess are among the most discussed literary characteristics exhibit Chaucer’s expertise.
Any discussion about Geoffrey Chaucer constantly explores new definitions of artistic perfection. For readers, it is not only a name but the moulding era of refinement and polishing of English literature. Even the current age recognizes him as the pioneer who invented, witnessed, and delivered the present shiny shape of literature.
Now, talking about Chaucer’s portrayal of different characters unlocks a debate. And it provides critics a chance to analyse the English author’s skill as a poet. But at the same time, this contrast between different characters undoubtedly unfolds a genuine urge among the analysts to applaud Geoffrey Chaucer’s descriptive mastery.
Yes, a minute study of Chaucer’s writings makes it evident how his characters are distinct or sharply different. They remain different, not in their propensity only. The distinction is also visible in their appearance and individual identity.
In addition, the writing of different storylines and their expression through words appear perfectly teamed with their separate and contrasting surroundings. Every articulation, along with the sense of humour and voicing, is matchlessly suited to specific situations. And this ideal pairing is so distinctly expressive through Chaucer’s writing style that an aptness in describing different tales appears unique and unbeatable.
The gravity of his delineation while portraying persons, nature, and situations is for sure matchless. A prominent example of this is Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. However, many critics question whether the work only proves Chaucer’s expertise with his illustrative approaches.
To begin with, The Canterbury Tales is a cluster of twenty-four different interesting stories presented by a group of pilgrims during their journey together from London to Canterbury. Every portion of this Chaucerian magnum opus unfolded the poet’s descriptive skill. The individuality of these pilgrims reveals a new way of characterization. It even shows how all minute details in sum form a vivid and illustrative picture of an unparalleled and remarkable storytelling journey.
Moreover, every character of the pilgrim cluster emerges utterly alive and appealing. The devotees’ behaviour and appearance through notable dress entice all readers and critics. In truth, the poet’s skillful use of every detail points out his power of pictorial representation.
This illustrative characterization ability of Chaucer also empowers him to draw characters that straight away appear universal or solitary, or stereotypical. Chaucer’s aptness in descriptive style is also visible in combining two separate facets. Sketching personae by mingling individuality details with a delineation as a whole to portray a person’s occupation or class denote this appropriacy. In a word, versatility is noticeable in his illustrative method.
Poems like The Book Of the Duchess and The Legend of Good Women unveil this versatile nature. They show how realism gets combined with idealisation by Chaucer during character representation. However, both the poems, including The Canterbury Tales, also display the writer’s narrative mastery.
Yes, readers consider this magnum opus of Chaucer a great piece disclosing the author’s recital or storytelling power through word picturization. Several literary experts identify him as the best narrative poet in the world who crosses all boundaries of excellence. Some even believe his potential must remain invincible compared to other literary eras.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s simple, lucid yet dynamic style enriches his narrative aptness with vivacity. In The Canterbury Tales, an artistic detachment from the characters of pilgrims emerges as a crucial factor contributing to his indomitable narrative art.
Importantly, an aim with objectivity in treating different characters in his works stands as a pillar behind his narrating approach. It helps the author to draw a person pragmatically and candidly. Moreover, the portrayal allows him to mingle sarcastic humour in the story when necessary.
Another salient feature of this narrating approach is his unstated presence in his characters’ utterances. Yes, being an artist, he actually prefers to remain inaccessibly accessible through those characters’ thoughts and feelings. One important thing is this technique stands with variation in the English author’s poetry.
The said variety is evident in telling the tales of different pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales. All twenty-four stories show the writer obtains different narrative manners. Also, the said variation undeniably gets reflected in each pilgrim’s persona. In short, Chaucer is an expert both in describing and narrating methods. That means Chaucer’s expertise is visible in both fields, narrative, and descriptive mastery.
