Knowing Fortune: The Limits of Boethian Knowledge in The Monk's Tale

Author / Editor
Grimes, Jodi.

Title
Knowing Fortune: The Limits of Boethian Knowledge in The Monk's Tale

Published
Carmina Philosophiae 19 (2010): 49-68.

Description
MkT reflects Boethian epistemology and demonstrates the limits of human reason. The Monk presents Fortune as in Books 1 and 2 of the "Consolation," but he lacks the faith necessary to understand the divine, while the mocking Knight and Host misunderstand the Tale's Boethian nature. Grimes contrasts the Monk with Troilus, who finds clear vision only in death.

Chaucer Subjects
Monk and His Tale
Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations
Knight and His Tale
Troilus and Criseyde