Week 13

Question 1

Layers of universe, earth

Answer 1

A stationary globe at the centre of the universe, everything that exists on it is made of fire, earth, water and air.

Question 2

Layers of universe, belt of air

Answer 2

Aer

Question 3

Layers of universe, belt of fire

Answer 3

Aether

Question 4

Layers of universe, the spheres of the planets

Answer 4

Influences the body, not free will (especially the moon).

Question 5

Layers of universe, 8th heaven

Answer 5

The firmament/sphere of the fixed stars.

Question 6

Layers of universe, 9th heaven

Answer 6

Crystalline sphere

Question 7

Layers of universe, 10th heaven

Answer 7

The first mover (primum mobile), the universe which had a clockwise rotation of 24h, separate from the seven planetary spheres.

Question 8

What was Chaucer’s time?

Answer 8

Prolemaeus, Almagest

Earth was the middle of the universe.

Question 9

Layers of universe, outer circle

Answer 9

The empty real heaven, habitation of God above the realm of time.

Question 10

Zodiac Man

Answer 10

Shows what part of the body is influenced by particular zodiac signs. On the man, one can see a bull on the neck, which indicates that something might happen to Chauntecleer’s neck (attacked by fox).

Question 11

Auctoritas in the NPT

Answer 11

Debate about dreams between Pertelote and Chauntecleer, mentions God.

Also cites Cicero, Macrobeus, Bible.

The narrator (Nun’s priest) abuses auctoritas, and he references the Bible, nature, scholars and proverbs.

Question 12

NPT as a mock epic

Answer 12

1. Epic-like chase scene
2. Allusions of epic scale
3. Applies serious literature to an unserious setting

Question 13

The Nun’s Priests Tale: genre, plot, moral, host’s reaction

Answer 13

Genre: beast fable
Plot: fox tricks cock, cock tricks fox
Moral: “this is what you get when you trust flattery”
Host’s reaction: loves the tale

Question 14

How are the Seven Liberal Arts linked to the NPT?

Answer 14

Logic: debate
Grammar: compliment in Latin

Question 15

Which main languages were attested in England in Chaucer’s time and who spoke them?

Answer 15

French was the language of nobility and court, official and administrative areas, law, guilds, and the royal and civil administration.

Latin was the language of classical writers, language of debate at medieval uni’s, spoken fluently by students. Also the language of religious and monastic orders.

ME was spoken by common people and middle class.

Question 16

Why did Chaucer choose to write in English?

Answer 16

1. Because of the rise of ME, it became more standard.
2. It was spoken by the majority of the people, so his works could reach a wider audience.
3. To challenge dominance of Latin and French.

Question 17

For which reasons is he considered a significant figure in the history of the English language?

Answer 17

1. His words showed that English could be a powerful language for literary expression.
   
   2. Chaucer shows diversity in his use of English, such as dialects.
   3. Introduced the concept of stylistic propriety.