Geoffrey Chaucer: Building the Fragments of the Canterbury Tales

Author / Editor
Mandel, Jerome.

Title
Geoffrey Chaucer: Building the Fragments of the Canterbury Tales

Published
Rutherford, Madison, and Teaneck, N.J.: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1992.

Physical Description
257 pp.

Description
Explores coherence of structure, theme, and character within the fragments of the CT. Balanced plots, oppositions of themes, and parallels of character unify the paired tales of Fragments IV, VI, VIII, and V. Rich in thematic and structural coherence, Fragment III is distinguished by complex interpenetration of fictional layers, with pilgrims paralleling characters within the tales.
Fragment I is the most polished, following several structural patterns of deterioration, and capitalizing on themes established in GP. Fragment VII reflects chiastic, recapitulative, and sequential structures; it centers on Mel and poses remedies for misfortune.

Alternative Title
Building the Fragments of the Canterbury Tales.

Chaucer Subjects
Canterbury Tales--General.