Transcendent Metaphor or Banal Reality: Three Chaucerian Dilemmas

Author / Editor
Condren, Edward I.

Title
Transcendent Metaphor or Banal Reality: Three Chaucerian Dilemmas

Published
Papers on Language and Literature 21 (1985): 233-57.

Description
Chaucer celebrates "man's simultaneous transcendence and absurdity": in MilT, Nicholas's psaltery playing may be onanistic; in MerT, January's praise of Damian as "discreet," "secree," and "manly" may suggest his willingness to allow May sexual access to Damian; in TC, Troilus's swoon suggests premature climax.

Chaucer Subjects
Background and General Criticism.