Middle English marked a pivotal shift in language, blending Old English with French and Latin influences. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales showcased this evolution, employing innovative poetic techniques and diverse characterization to create a rich tapestry of medieval life.

Chaucer's masterful use of rhyme, meter, and literary devices brought his characters to life. His intertextual references and genre-bending approach elevated the work, weaving together religious, classical, and contemporary elements to create a timeless masterpiece.

Middle English Language and Pronunciation

Features of Middle English

• Vowel pronunciation transformed through Great Vowel Shift altered long vowels while short vowels remained relatively stable (sheep, meet)
• Consonant differences included silent letters and unique pronunciations of 'gh' and 'ch' (knight, church)
• Grammar and syntax featured inflected endings and more flexible word order allowed for poetic expression
• Vocabulary incorporated French and Latin influences while retaining Germanic roots (castle, beef)
• Spelling variations stemmed from lack of standardization and reflected regional differences (color/colour)

Chaucer's Poetic Techniques

Poetic devices in Canterbury Tales

• Rhyme scheme utilized heroic couplets with rhyming pairs at the end of consecutive lines (day/way)
• Meter primarily employed iambic pentameter with occasional variations and substitutions for emphasis
• Alliteration repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words to create emphasis and rhythm (wild and wooly)
• Assonance and consonance repeated vowel and consonant sounds within words enhanced musicality
• Enjambment carried sentence meaning across line breaks created flow and anticipation
• Caesura inserted pauses within lines added emphasis and varied rhythm

Characterization techniques of Chaucer

• Direct and indirect characterization revealed personality traits through description and actions
• Distinct voices for each pilgrim showcased diverse dialects and sociolects reflecting social status
• Frame narrative structure allowed multiple stories within main narrative
• Unreliable narrators added complexity and ambiguity to storytelling
• Dramatic monologues revealed characters' thoughts and motivations
• Character interactions and relationships developed plot and themes

Intertextuality in Chaucer's work

• Biblical references incorporated religious themes and morality (Noah's Ark)
• Classical mythology alluded to ancient Greek and Roman stories (Troilus and Criseyde)
• Arthurian legends referenced popular medieval tales (Sir Gawain)
• Contemporary literary works engaged with current literary trends
• Historical figures and events provided context and commentary
• Philosophical and theological concepts explored complex ideas (predestination)
• Genre conventions subverted and parodied traditional forms
  • Romance idealized love and chivalry
  • Fabliau employed bawdy humor and trickery
  • Exemplum taught moral lessons through stories