I cannot love a coward, by my faith.
This seems to be in stark contrast to societal norms. That is, I don't think men in the 14th century were quick to be vulnerable about things but I could be wrong. And since she reacts negatively it only encourages reticence. I wonder what Chaucer was trying to convey.
azure
bright blue in color like a cloudless sky.
equinoctial
happening at or near the time of an equinox.
Sounds obvious now.
The stories so far seem to have a moral theme to learn from. I would believe each of these stories are things that have happened to him in a personal way and he used these books as a way to express them. This makes the story easier to relate to and understand, as everyone runs into these moral dilemmas at one point in their life.
And by the gorget grabbed our Chauntecleer, 570 Flung him on back, and toward the wood did steer, For there was no man who as yet pursued.
The fox tells Chauntecleer to sing the best he can and fills him up so much flattery. That Chauntecleer pays no heed to his time spent protecting his dignity.
In principio Mulier est hominis confusio
In the beginning, woman was the destruction [or confusion] of mankind.
They took the carter and so sore they racked Him and the host, until their bones were cracked,
The carter and the inn keeper confessed about the murder after being tortured. Then they were hung.
That dreams, indeed, are good significations, As much of joys as of all tribulations
Chauntcleer is saying that being concerned over a dream isn't being cowardice. Greater men have had dreams that are good and bad, which brought them to mull over.
Peck them just as they grow and gulp them in. Be merry, husband, for your father’s kin! Dread no more dreams. And I can say no more.”
These passage make it seems as though she believes he is just having indigestion or is eating poorly. She prescribes him on what to eat and hope it purges whatever is ailing him.
Lo, Cato, and he was a full wise man, 175 Said he not, ‘we should not trouble for dreams?’
Chauntecleer sounded deeply concerned about the nightmare he had and shared it with Pertelote. But Pertelote mocks Chauntecleer for being scared about a dream he had and tells him how much she has lost respect and love for him. It was harsh to say, but more than likely she is annoyed about being woken up in the middle of the night over him making noises about a dream.
The beasts and all the birds could speak and sing.
It's interesting that the story is shifting from a perspective of people to animals in the yard. The rooster and the hen seem to be the main characters of this story.
Meek husbands, and young ones, and fresh in bed, And good luck to outlive them that we wed
So you telling me that I should be married early so i can out live the person i marry. Seems like solid advice.
!
Well here we are part 3 unlike the second story this one has some very strong sexual tension in it. Give what I read this reads like something he wrote in just pure hate and anger. I enjoyed it, it sounds really strange to say that, but I like the fact this shows that there is more to him and this spite filled rant was a nice departure from the last story and this gives some great detail about Chaucer.
Kiss me before I die, and let me be.
Well heck if you say so.
‘Of all men he’s in wisdom the highest That nothing cares who has the world in hand
Well Dan you seem like a swell dude, this qoute is very true.
bigamy
the act of going through a marriage ceremony while already married to another person.
I say, save he and she 100 Would lead their lives throughout in chastity.
Well we know how he likes to live life and that is the way to sum up what I just read.
He’d have condemned all marriage as not good
I mean based on the past actions I feel like this is a good thing. So yeah marriage is not as good.
anon;
soon; shortly.
I never should have married more than once.
The regret of having more than one seems to one that is very taxing to her.
And I pray Jesus to cut short the lives
Chaucer has made it painfully obvious that all women want is control and power. He has attempted to make his point by making the knight suffer in order to learn this new knowledge. Maybe, Chaucer’s point is that you must go through pain or hard times in order to convince you of something different than that which you. Have already believed in.
“Give me your promise here, hand in hand,” said she, “That you will do, whatever it may be, The thing I ask if it lie in your might; And I’ll give you your answer before the night.”
The knight is so desperate for his answer that he bewillingly agrees to do whatsoever the lady desires or wishes. Chaacer is setting up the knight for his downfall, surely. He undoubtedly sees no negative outcome for what he is about to do.
That any cleric shall speak well of wives
True. They aren't really praised or acknowledged, they just kind of exist.
For three of them were good and two were bad
This is in stark contrast to the "1000 good women for every bad woman" ratio given earlier in Miller's tale. Where as you have a 99.9% chance of finding a good wife, there's a 60% chance of finding a good husband. Wow
Tell forth your tale, nor spare for any man, And teach us younger men of your technique.”
They really were interested in what she had to say, considering she had so much experience. Maybe (since she had so many marriages) she was easy to relate to.
he was worthy to have life.
I'm still salty about what he did. He has no worth to life... Ugh
Whether she’d save him, or his blood should spill.
Personally I think his blood should be spilled with the beheading! Take action and place fear into men for raping woman. >:(
friar
Definition: A member of any of certain religious orders of men, especially the four mendicant orders. Synonyms: Monk, brother
Did with a staff deprive his wife of life Because she drank wine
If my boyfriend tried to deprive me of my wine, oh hell no. There'd be hell to pay. Especially after a long day of work!
For like a spaniel will she leap on him Until she finds a man to be victim
I don't know if it's just me, but to be honest, she sounds like a whore...
amorous
Definition: showing, feeling or relating to sexual desire.
Let such be bread of purest white wheat-seed, 150 And let us wives be called but barley bread;
That's interesting to be compared to bread...
I never should have married more than once.
I wonder if it had to do with each marriage was bad and only got worse and she realized her first husband was what she wanted all along, or if it was a religious belief that she had sinned and it was being taken out on her.
Look out a thing we may not lightly have, And after that we’ll cry all day and crave. 525 Forbid a thing, and that thing covet we; Press hard upon us, then we turn and flee. Sparingly offer we our goods, when fair; Great crowds at market for dearer ware, And what’s too common brings but little price; 530 All this knows every woman who is wise.
She states women enjoy craving something they don't get abundance of. Her 5th husband was abusive and gave little love, but would quickly give some affection afterwards. She seems to really enjoy that type of affection and making it sound that is worth more than affection that is readily available.
When the shoe bitterly his foot had wrung. There was no one, save God and he, that knew 500 How, in so many ways, I’d twist the screw.
I'm not to clear as to understand the cause of death. Did he get frostbite, foot rot or gangrene?
Makes it seem like she damaged his shoes to cause infection and only God and the dead know.
But of their wives men get no test, you say, Till they are married, base old dotard you! And then we show what evil we can do.
This text reads as though she is being sarcastic, but in all seriousness as well. It is as though she is chastising men for being ignorant for not realizing the woman, they married, are evil. But also saying there is no way to tell, if she is, until it’s too late.
Both stories are very entertaining, and I can see how it would dominate and change the landscape of future writings. There was more focus on storytelling and less focus on describing every minor detail about clothe and landscape. But the writing Wife of Bath seems personal. There must have been a personal experience that went sour with someone he viewed as a gold digger.
For by my truth, to you I will be both;
I would have died if she says both and referred to being hideously old and a terrible wife. Would have been truly another level. But the ending was still good though.
Then fear you not to be made a cuckold; For dirt and age, as prosperous I may be, Are mighty wardens over chastity.
She is saying he will never have to worry about her cheating on him, because she's so old and hideous. He's totally still freaking out about needing to sleep with her.
Would God my heart would break within my breast!”
He is freaking out that he has to "sleep" with her. She is portrayed as incredibly old and haggardly.
When he, with her, to marriage bed was brought;
They are brought to their wedding bed to consummate their marriage.
We’re often limed, the greater and the less.
Another reference to the prologue of the 5th husband.
And often to be widowed and re-wed.
This plays into the prologue of Wife of Bath. I'm assuming this is about marrying someone old and getting their wealth after they die. Wishing that they are still young enough to marry again.
Call up for witness to it her own maid; 240 But hear me now, for this is what I said
She is saying to use your handmade as a witness to vouch for your lies.
For God knows that I nagged them mercilessly.
She is describing how she had these men wrapped around her finger and mockingly states how they showered her with gifts. So far, she is being painted as a common gold digger and possibly driving her husbands to an early grave.
maidenhead
Means virginity
Let one make of this water his pottage And nevermore shall he his wife mistrust,
hmmmm big think there, sounds like you are selling me so prime cut bull dookie.
Then show I forth my hollow crystal-stones,
Got a real snake oil seller here! come get your useless shit here.
y.
I think it's safe to say Chaucer was very cynical of the church in his time. Something that still resonates today as our society becomes more secular, coinciding with an increase in cynicism. IMO. I don't think it would generate much reaction today but I wonder how 14th century people reacted.
On another note, I'm not one to catastrophize but as society gets more secular I think it becomes more morally relative; and I wonder if there will be a tipping point, where tolerance would not be an option.
Show, and in Latin speak some words, a few, To spice therewith a bit my sermoning
He uses Latin to spice up his sermons. Sounds like he's trying to manipulate the masses. I wish we could say we've gotten past this but I think demagoguery is as effective as ever.
Drinks but one draught; take heed of what I tell.
Is it, be careful to not take more than one drink or rather a "believe me" type of heed?
The pardoner is obviously drunk and saying things he shouldn't have, but these passages show how he set people up to feel guilty about wanting to hold on to their money. Then pressure them on being sinful as the murderous men for doing so. Then positions himself as being there to save them from their damnation.
I found this story interesting on how he sermoned about greed and provided a story about how greed will kill you. Then offered pardons to absolve their sins, even after explaining that he uses the money for himself and will take even from the starving and dying. This style still exists even today in today.
They shall be shrined within a hog’s fat turd.
The host called out the pardoner on trying to get people to kneel before him and buy pardons. By calling his pardons and trinkets worthless and would be like kissing dirty underpants.
By this fraud have I won me, year by year, A hundred marks, since I’ve been pardoner.
This reinforces his blatant attitude of not caring about people knowing the truth. He is in position that can bring despair to someone and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
And I’ll absolve him by authority That has, by bull, been granted unto me.
He's offering to sell pardons to the people that are there, even after boasting about his indulgences. Pretty much painting him as a person without shame.
Then show I forth my hollow crystal-stones,
The pardoner is pretty much laying out that he uses trinkets and junk to sell for pardons. this reinforces the statement of indulging himself like the popes and cardinals do. He is using the money for himself and spending it as he pleases.
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Round 2 of Canterbury, this one was pretty wack honestly. We got some cheating, we got tubs hanging from the ceiling, pokers, butts. Like man this is just getting pretty crazy but what still makes me laugh is the lie of the flood like bro how in the world would anyone believe that but I guess that’s why I called him Loki in my head dude could trick a mirror.
trave
a frame to confine an unruly horse or ox for shoeing
Fell in with this young wife to toy and play,
Is Nicholas the authors self insert in this story it feels like hes got all that everyone is looking for.
clever Nicholas
Might as well call him Loki at this point. his cleverness is like too high.
This carpenter had recently married a wife Whom he loved more than he loved his life;
Dang that's some dedication my dude, liking someone so much that they are worth more than your own life. That's some real romantic shit right there.
stratagems
a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.
A poor scholar was lodging
Being poor and lodging this seems like two things that shouldn't go together.
churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Why are you angry with my story’s cue?
Im angry because you keep butting in, like jeez im here to read a story.
I pray; For I will tell a legend and a life
Knowing how this is goes down a legend it will be.
You are a fool, your wit is overcome
I guess this is 14th century way of saying you a dummy.
By the arms and blood and bones,” he swore,
Taking a blood oath I guess, or is this like a brother in arms situation?
Let’s see now who can tell another tale
Wooo More stories
The people laughed at all this fantasy
This town must be small. Everyone seems to find out everything within a matter of minutes of it happening. The author has done a good job of placing together earlier moments and brining up their importance at the very end.
And thought, “Alas, now comes down Noel’s flood!”
What a fascinating turn of events. It has all culminated down to this moment which seems to be mirroring a domino chain
What ails you now, man? Some gay girl, God knows,
Buddy is up early which can only mean it's for a girl? Deep stuff
For he was healed of all his malady;
At the very least he will stop obsessing over this girl. The problem is how far will his anger take him?
That is a sign of kissing at the least. All night I dreamed, too, I was at a feast.
damn, this guy is obsessed
furlong
half a lap around a track
These orders I have told you, go, God speed!
This is a prime example of how people tend to use religion or beliefs in order to manipulate people into doing things for them or even leading them to their own destruction.
For some are won by means of money spent, And some by tricks, and some by long descent.
In other words, there is never a straightforward way win her away. Love for loves sake does not seem to be a thing here
Had in his heart, now, such a love-longing That from no wife took he an offering;
Buddy is now head over heels for this girl.
ribaldry
amusingly coarse or irreverent talk or behavior.
And ever a thousand good to one that’s bad,
So the assumption is that most people are good and that there really is close to a zero chance that you end up with a bad wife. Seems to be very positive thinking and a give people the "benefit of the doubt" type approach which to be honest is a stark contrast to today.
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Not going to lie, this story was wild! It was very enjoyable to read, to be honest.Nothing like how I imagined. I don't think it was my favorite, but by far, it was one that shocked yet entertained me from all of the pranks.
This world,” he said, “in less time than an hour, Shall all be drowned, so terrible is this shower; Thus shall all mankind drown and lose all life.”
This made me think of a prophet. Staring at the stars as if trying to figure out the message he was given.
Skittish she was as is a pretty colt, Tall as a staff and straight as cross-bow bolt.
I really like the imagery the author uses to describe people or things in his story. It really does help to paint a clear image in the head.
bragget
It's a drink made from ale and fermented honey. Or it could be from ale sweetened and spiced. Sounds delicious!
ealous he was and held her close in cag
I don't see this lasting long...
ribaldry
Definition: Amusingly coarse or irreverent talk or behavior.
Thus screwed was the carpenter’s goodwife
Reputation was a big deal during these times and being labeled crazy was pretty much a death sentence to poverty. The carpenter will not get work anymore and the wife is now screwed.
But Absalom, and often cried “Alas! My soul I give now unto Sathanas, For rather far than own this town,” said he, “For this despite, it’s well revenged I’d be. 645 Alas,” said he, “from her I never blenched!”
He's so angry. That he is shouting that may his soul be given to Satan and get his revenge.
And to himself he said, “I will requite!”
I'm rooting for Absalom to get back at them at this point. It will take someone as crude as him to be able to get revenge for the carpenter and himself.
He’d felt a thing all rough and longish haired
He legitimately kissed her hole as stated in prior text. Not the cheek. She is as mischievous and twisted as Nicholas. They both seem to enjoy crude and nasty deception.
The deathlike sleep of utter weariness Fell on this wood-wright even, as I guess About the curfew time, or little more; For travail of his spirit he groaned sore, And soon he snored, for badly his head lay. 540 Down by the ladder crept this Nicholay, And Alison, right softly down she sped. Without more words they went and got in bed Even where the carpenter was wont to lie. There was the revel and the melody!
Nicholay tricked the carpenter into working so hard on his flood scam, that it exhausted him. The carpenter fell asleep and there was no way he was going to wake up from where he was at. Nicholay and Alison secretly snuck away and slept together, knowing that the carpenter wouldn't wake up to find out. I'm not surprised by the soothsayer scam. It still happens today.
But, truth to tell, he was a bit squeamish 230 Of farting and of arrogant language.
He didn't have manners and was crude. So, it seems like his behavior is a bit repulsive and annoying at times.
That vulgar man should wed similitude. A man should wed according to estate, For youth and age are often in debate. But now, since he had fallen in the snare, He must endure, like other folk, his care.
The carpenter should have married someone around his age and/or league. This is positioning that the carpenter is going to have to deal with other men wanting her. Also, since she is young, it will be tough for her not to be interested in more compatible men, since he isn't rich and of similar age. Now the carpenter is going to have to deal with it.
Angelus ad virginem
A popular medieval carol, whose text is a poetic version of the Hail Mary and the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary.
algorism stones
Common earth crystals used for fortune telling or soothsaying.
When they should have a drought or else have showers, Or if men asked of him what should befall
Astrology back then would follow the classic soothsayer and fortune teller profession. People would come all around for advice, by using the stars positioning.
Be then advised, and hold me free from blame; Men should not be too serious at a game.
Stating not to be angry and blame him. It's just a story and not to take it so seriously to heart. Its just to be entertaining.
Both of a carpenter and of his wife, 35 And how a scholar set the good wright’s cap.” The reeve replied and said: “Oh, shut your tap,
The miller provided the context of the story about a scholar taking a carpenter's wife. But the reeve cut him off and told him to be quiet. He wasn't interested in hearing about the story of a wife's adultery and defamation of another man. There are other stories that could be told.
charitable
This author is infatuated with charity. Maybe it is due to the time. People were for the most part beautiful, wealthy, or powerful only through their measure of "charitableness"(well, at least more so)
According to our promise pledged, indeed, As you have heard. Why argue to and fro?
The mix of characters is awesome. There are commoners, people who collect manure, physicians, clerks, fighters, the lot. It's also interesting to see the difference in length in the introduction to each of the characters; hinting at their importance, based on the length or detail. And as with most of these stories, God seems to play a huge role in most of the characters lives. It will be interesting to see how all of these characters are mixed in together, and wether they will be interacting with each other or not.
Veronica
a pilgrim badge with a representation of St Veronica's veil on which an image of the face of Christ was believed to have been imprinted.
http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803115532562
strological signs.
Essentially medical doctors of the day relied solely on good will and luck. Then again, they may have been so convincing that even the body would believe that it was truly healed. lol
In all the parish there was no wife to go And proceed her in offering, it is so;
Wow. She is so charitable that even if there was somebody more charitable(or nice) than that person would be a mean hag. Incredible. A bit full of it but incredible nonetheless.
He said: “Since I must then begin the game, Why, welcome be the cut, and in God’s name! Now let us ride, and listen to what I say.” And at that word we rode forth on our way; And he began to speak, with words of cheer, 860 His tale straightway, and said as you may hear.
Its interesting as to how it is describing the knight's tale as taking a ride along with him.
My wit is short
Not the smartest person
her tender heart
She was extremely empathetic. These passages paint the perfect Nun with the qualities of Mother Mary under the churches teachings.
And she spoke French fairly and fluently, 125 After the school of Stratford-at-the-Bow, For French of Paris style she didn’t know. At table her manners were well taught withall, And never let morsels from her lips fall, Nor dipped her fingers deep in sauce, but ate 130 With so much care the food upon her plate That no drop could fall upon her breast.
She was well educated and taught to be a refined lady. How you behave separated you from peasants and those in lower class.
You go to Canterbury
NAME DROP... end the story here, we did it , oh wait there is more.
We drank, and went to rest ultimately
I mean before you go on a great trip, I feel like thats the right thing to do.
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So far I like where this is going, I really like the introduction of the characters really. It gives you time to really get the idea of who they are and what motivations we are supposed to car about and I hope this remains because with this cast I want to see how they develop who kicks the bucket, and much more. So I'm for sure waiting to read the next parts coming up when I can get to them.
This same monk let such old things slowly pace And followed new-world manners in their place.
He seems like one to have old world ideas while embracing the new world stuff.
A manly man
A macho man if you will... OH YEAH !!!
Of grease, when she had drunk her draught of wine.
Was it common place for people of god to get drunk, or are the canterbury tales a tale of misfits ?
Her greatest oath was but “By Saint Eloy!”
Catchphrase time!
A sheaf of peacock arrows bright and keen 105 Under his belt he bore very carefully
Is it apt to call this one the colorful one ? with peacock feathers.
He’d ridden sometime with the cavalry
Got a real anikin skywalker here, dont we ?
A lover and a lively bachelor,
I like this guy so far. lol
he’d fought for our faith at Tramissene Three times in duels, always killed his foe.
I would hope a knight would fight for faith, this might be some foreshadowing?
heathenesse
the quality or character of a heathen
In fellowship, and pilgrims were they all That toward Canterbury town would ride.
So 29 people on a pilgrimage... how many of these people gonna die?
That sleep through all the night with open eye
Like Clint Eastwood, Sleeping with one eye open, something must want them dead then.
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This story was way easier to read than all of the other stories we have read so far. I really enjoyed that Chaucer introduced each character before writing the story. This helped paint a clearer picture of who we were going to be reading about and what kind of characters were going to be there.
He loved to dip his morning bread in wine.
That's the way to go!
cloisterless,
Definition:a covered walk, especially in a religious institution, having an open arcade or colonnade usually opening onto a courtyard. a courtyard, especially in a religious institution, bordered with such walks. a place of religious seclusion, as a monastery or convent.
Intoning through her nose
Definition: say or recite with little rise and fall of the pitch of the voice.
Who helped them when they lay so ill and weak
It makes me wonder with how they explained it being Spring in the beginning, are they trying to signify that the ill and weak are from the aftermath from the winter?
When in April the sweet showers fall That pierce March’s drought to the root and all And bathed every vein in liquor that has power
I really like the way the story starts off. It sets the time of year to give you a better understanding what the setting will be like through the beginning of the . story.
And always won he widespread fame for prize.
I'm sure we'll learn it but I wonder when the grammar shift was made so that "And he always won.." is considered correct. I'm trying to understand the old rules, I think that would be useful for this class.
It seems to me in accord with reason To describe to you the state of every one Of each of them, as it appeared to me,
I don't know what kind of device this would be but i've seen it a lot. Introducing the characters before beginning the story. The intro to Tropic Thunder comes to mind when they give a little bit a background about each character.
When in April the sweet showers fall That pierce March’s drought to the root and all And bathed every vein in liquor that has power To generate therein and sire the flower; 5 When Zephyr also has with his sweet breath, Filled again, in every holt and heath, The tender shoots and leaves, and the young sun
In the class discussion we talked about how Chaucer didn't like alliteration. I can't say I dislike alliteration in general but Gawain and the Green knight was like being forced to eat an entire cake when I would prefer a slice. This opening is much more pleasing to me but I guess it's subjective.
,
I have to say I like Chaucer so far. Better than what we have been reading. I like that he did an introduction of each character so that as we read on it will be easier to know who is who and their back ground.
Questio quid juris
Latin: question of what law is right
fiery-red,
The color red keeps coming up as well. Red is usually associated with military and warriors in the medieval times. Will all these men described with red clothes, hair, and faces become an army of some sort?
MANCIPLE
someone who buys supplies for a college or monastery
Saint John
I thought it note worthy (or for the non-Catholic and/or Orthodox folk out there): John was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on October 16, 1690, and later named the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers. His feast day is celebrated on March 8. The royal eagle is a fitting symbol for Saint John the Evangelist, for the eagle is known for grace, strength, keenness of vision and powers of flight above all creatures.
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Gawain and its strange adventure of the green knight. I mean I love this even if it is a bit confusing at most times. I knight’s tale about love, fighting, and being chivalrous it’s like everything I asked for in an Arthurian legend. Overall, I really enjoy this especially with the fact that the green knight is like the badass knight and how the green knight’s wife is just like temping Gawain with gifts that go from deer to a gold ring and then that final gift of the belt of not getting harmed
comely
defnition: agreeable; suitable.
quaked the wild; deer drove for the dales, darting for dread,
It sounds like they are on a hunt for something and the picture looks very well draw.
blew briskly on their bugles three bare notes; braches bayed therefore, and bold
I was looking for a definition for bugles and got chips lol. would like to know what it meant.
Your are welcome to my body, Your pleasure to take all; I must by necessity
Well if you put it that way sure but... wait a minute I feel like this is a trap or something.
when he had heard Mass, with horns to the hunting field he hastens away
war cry in the distance is what it sounds like it is saying.
But would you, lovely lady, but grant me leave and release your prisoner and pray him to rise,
Im lost , what prisoner , why would it be her responsibility?
bent her way to the bed; and the knight ashamed,
You can see here this were Gawain knew..He fucked up.
deer drove for the dales, darting for dread,
Darting for dread, such is life for woodland animals. but also this makes a great setup for imagery , like seeing deer running away from a predator.
You shall linger in your room and lie there at ease tomorrow till Mass, and then to meat wend when you will, with my wife, that with you shall sit and comfort you with company, till I come to court:
Really? The story seems to be a mix between fairytale and reality. Also, it seems that Gawain has accepted the journey or challenge in order to win favor with King Arthur. The problem is accepting a challenge from a green knight who picked up his head shortly after having it chopped off
‘Indeed, sir, while I live, I am the better for Gawain being my guest at God’s own feast.’
The king is really starting to fall for Gawain.
the dear Lord for our destiny to die was born
This guy was born only to die for Destiny... wow
of a brown silk, embroidered full rich,
It seems that this author spends a lot more time detailing the imagery of the surroundings for the characters. It makes it a lot easier to paint pictures in your head about these places
What is here, is all your own, to have at your will and wield you.
what an odd thing to allow a guest that you have just met. Maybe he has met him before?
of some harbour where highly I might hear Mass
Religion is still a very important aspect of these heroes' lives.
five points
I wonder if these five points mean anything? Oh, never mind, it does. It seems to be 5 traits that a soldier should have
I know nothing of where you walk, by Him that wrought me, nor do I know you, knight, your court or your name.
Incredibly smart. You know nothing about the dude yet you are entering into a contract to essentially kill each other, if possible.
twelvemonth
I'm assuming its January
that under heaven, I hope, are none higher of will, nor better of body on fields where battle is raised.
Is it even possible to more of a kiss ass then this?
crenellated
provide (a wall of a building) with battlements.
circlet
a circular band, typically one made of precious metal, worn on the head as an ornament. a small circular arrangement or object.
blood burst from the body, the bright on the green.
powerful imagery
forelock
a lock of hair growing just above the forehead. the part of the mane of a horse or similar animal, which grows from the poll and hangs down over the forehead.
liked his life lively, he loved the less
There is tons of alliteration throughout this whole poem.
But Arthur would not eat till all were served
This paints a different picture of King Arthur than we saw in the story about Launfel, where Arthur seemed jealous and petty.
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In the beginning I really didn't care for the style of reading. It was confusing and the sentences were constructed weird. But the more I read, and with the help of the other annotations, I gathered what was being written. It seemed like a dragged out story after the green knight left with his chopped head in his arms and sir Gawain trying to find him. But it wasn't bad. Some of the details painted a nice picture in the head. I do wonder what will happen in the next part. Though, i didn't really understand why the green knight showed up in the first place . That was weird.
sleet he slept in his steel
He didn't come very prepared for this journey. Makes me wonder how long he thought it was going to take versus how long it actually did take to find the green knight.
latched onto his lovely head, and lifted it so
So, he's headless, like the Headless Horsemen? Interesting..
his red eyes
Would this because he see's red, challenging any/everyone there or more just because he's tired after the journey?
hauberk
Definition:a piece of armor originally covering only the neck and shoulders but later consisting of a full-length coat of mail or military tunic.
crupper
Definition:a strap buckled to the back of a saddle and looped under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle or harness from slipping forward.
jousting
Definition:(of a medieval knight) engage in a sports contest in which two opponents on horseback fight with lances.
descry
Definition: Publicly denounce. Synonym: criticize
comeliest
Definition:Pleasing or agreeable to the sight; well-proportioned; good-looking; handsome.
treachery, the foulest on earth
Seems like an exaggeration, to be the foulest on earth. But sounds intriguing.
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This reading was very good and not as crazy as the other ones we have read. It was fun learning about the old time and it also reminds me of old movie about jousting and other things that go on in that time period. i cant wait to read the other one.
Give me now your weapon, upon God’s name,
Hand over that weapon in gods name as in let me have that weapon
head of this house, I, Arthur am named.
He is in charge of everything
hauberk
A light peace of armor made out of metal but easily looks like a shirt.
Arthur would not eat till all were served,
Authur was a humble person and showed respect to others.
Guinevere
wife of King Arthur in Arthurian legend. Explaining her beauty.
jousted full jollily
Jousting was when to men would be on opposite sides of a field. while on a horse charging at each other with wooden spears.
Aeneas
was a member of the royal line at Troy and cousin of Hector.
Soon as the siege and assault had ceased at Troy, the burg broken and burnt to brands and ashes,
Fighting already. I just started reading. They burnt down something and seige as in ran in and fought
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the style of this story grew on me. And i loved the addition of the art inbetween stanzas. It's mind boggling to think one story (especially this one with long dull periods) could insoire so many artists. Honestly I'm really drawn in and exciting to see how this story ends.
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I feel like during the more talkative (or i guess tense) scenes the allituration dies down, but now that we're back to discriptions it's super heavy again.
men
I wonder if this horseman figure does this often. Like maybe this is a yearly tradition for him to quench some kind of blood lust. But he does it in such a way that he doesnt get repercussions from it because they made a fair deal?
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How does Gawain reach his head if he (the stranger) is a giant?
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Besides the sideshow of food in the beginning Im really enjoying this a whole lot. I kinda wish Gawain wasnt such a basic knight like to me he felt kinda plain. But also the green knight woo wee this dude radiates this bad-ass aura of im the biggest cheese you'll seen. I love the story so far I cant wait to read the rest of this. Im so into this. It reminds me of like video game in a sense bring out this dude thats all powerful and Gawain is like maybe a level 5 basic knight but yet he adheres to his code...for now.
A green horse great and thick, a steed full strong to restrain,
I want to say that the Green Knight is painted as like the picture perfect knight to challenge a knight of the round table like a David and Goliath situation.
Wonder at his hue men displayed, set in his semblance seen; he fared as a giant were made, and over all deepest green.
This man must be real deep in the dye trade to have the "deepest green". If I remember correctly dyes at he time were really weak almost like they were faded from the start.
Dainties drawn in therewith of full dear meats, foods of the freshest, and in such files of dishes
All I can see is like just these long tables just full of food, The hunters mush have had taken a lot of time to get all that meat.
But Arthur would not eat till all were served, he was so joyous a youth, and somewhat boyish
Man with such honor to wait until everyone has their food. But what makes that boyish? Did kings always eat before everyone ate?
There tourneyed tykes by times full many, jousted full jollily these gentle knights,
Good to know that in medieval times they still had great parties that everyone enjoys.
I aim to show
Starting off cocky now are we ?
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All of the stories combined had a forbidden type of love involved. But in the end, they all had a nice ending to it, even if death was a factor. At least they got to be together after being apart for so long. Reading these stories, it shows that love goes through many obstacles and distance and time being the biggest factor.
For twenty years the swan was made the messenger of these two lovers
That's such a long time for not only their love to be relayed through letters, but for a swan too.
varlet
Definition: a man or boy acting as a servant or attendant
fief.
Definition: an estate of land.
sure hand
Basically she knew what she was doing and there was no doubt to what/why she was writing the letter./
If her beauty be such as he has told us, the Queen will have no cause for wrath.
This makes me think of the evil queen from Snow White. She has to be the 'fairest' of them all and when she learned that Snow White was more beautiful than her, she sent her huntsmen to go out and kill Snow White. I'm getting that same vibe from this, just minus the killing.
When you would speak with me I shall hasten to come before your wish.
This makes me think that she is some kind of Goddess. Luring men in and gives him something but in exchange, is if he is to speak to someone regarding her, of this, then he'll lose a friend.
no emperor nor count, nor king,
I don't know about you, but if someone said that I faired above a count, emperor or even a king, I knew it would be too good to be true. Something fishy is going on and yet he is so enchanted by her.
Octavian, the Emperor
Emperor of the Roman empire. Also is known by the name of Augustus.
pure gold
It makes me wonder, if back in the day was it normal to be carrying around a basin of pure gold. I thought only Lords and Kings had things made of gold. Or am I wrong?