Good Fun: Cecily Chaumpaigne and the Ethics of Chaucerian Obscenity

Author / Editor
Flannery, Mary C.

Title
Good Fun: Cecily Chaumpaigne and the Ethics of Chaucerian Obscenity

Published
Chaucer Review 56.4 (2021): 360-77.

Description
Discusses the long-standing view of Chaucer as a fun, perhaps obscene writer, suggesting that readers "are invested in protecting their ability to enjoy Chaucer freely." References Kate Manne's notion of "himpathy," or the "excessive sympathy" felt toward men accused of crimes, to examine how views of Chaucer as a bawdy author have contaminated treatments of Chaumpaigne's case and depiction. Suggests adopting Sara Ahmed’s role of "feminist killjoy" as an antidote to "himpathy" toward Chaucer.

Chaucer Subjects
Background and General Criticism