Demonism, Geometric Nicknaming, and Natural Causation in Chaucer's Summoner's and Friar's Tale

Author / Editor
Olson, Glending.

Title
Demonism, Geometric Nicknaming, and Natural Causation in Chaucer's Summoner's and Friar's Tale

Published
Viator 42.1 (2011): 247-82.

Description
Nicknames for geometric propositions occur in TC ("dulcarnon," "flemyng of wrecches") and one seems to be at play at the end of SumT ("figura demonis"), where the squire's "natural" solution to the problem of dividing the fart opposes the supernatural causation that operates in FrT. The opposition between natural and supernatural causation helps to unify Part 3 of CT and reflects the contemporary concerns of some Lollards and intellectuals, such as Nicholas of Oresme.

Chaucer Subjects
Summoner and His Tale
Friar and His Tale
Troilus and Criseyde