Thesis
Shakespeare the Chaucerian
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100218
Abstract
A small contingent of scholars, most prominently represented by E. Talbot Donaldson, argues that Shakespeare holds a deep appreciation for Chaucer and his complexity, saturating his work with Chaucerian constructions. But Shakespeare does not simply inject Chaucerian references into his drama: they serve as his own reactions to and interpretation of the poet‟s themes. Focusing specifically on Shakespeare‟s authorial identification via Chaucer as reflected in key caricatures in the bard‟s canon, "Shakespeare the Chaucerian" operates both a sourcestudy and a critical analysis of the texts in question. Just as Chaucer projects a meta-understanding of his own authorship through his standins "Chaucer the pilgrim" and at times "Geffrey" as in House of Fame, Shakespeare employs these tactics as well with his own stand-ins, showing not only his deep understanding and appreciation for Chaucer‟s art, but his methods. Shakespeare‟s author-figures, symbolic representations of Shakespeare himself at various stages in the creative process and reflections of his identity as an author, often directly invoke some component of Chaucer‟s works. Duke Theseus, Feste, and Falstaff serve as the most prominent examples of this phenomenon.
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Details
- Title
- Shakespeare the Chaucerian
- Creators
- Jacob Alden Hughes
- Contributors
- Michael Delahoyde (Degree Supervisor)Todd Wayne Butler (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- English, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525171001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis