Themes, Tensions and Ambiguities

Abstract

In many ways the previous chapters have raised more questions than answers. You have been able to identify a range of techniques common to Chaucer’s writing and use them to explore his work, but one problem remains and that is the question of Chaucer’s intent — his reasons for using some techniques and forms at the expense of others. Is there a pattern to his ideas, do you think, or an easily identifiable set of themes or concerns behind the multiple voices of the Tales? This chapter uses the same skills as before in an attempt to open up discussion of this issue. Its focus is upon ‘why’ rather than ‘how’.