Chaucer’s Use of Satire, Irony, and Humour

Introduction

Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry, is one of the first English short story-tellers and the greatest humorists in English literature. He is considered realist as he depicts the accurately unbiased and neutral picture of his society. His “The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales” comes out mainly in the form of satire, irony and humour. He is very much witted and sharp and his interest lies in portraying the characters rather than in exposing. His object is to point life as he sees it, to hold up the mirror to society, and, as has justly been said, “a mirror has no tendency, it reflects, but it does not, or should not, distort”. Chaucer has shown hatred for none of his characters but as humanist has portrayed them genially as Legouis and Cazamian remark “of all writers of genius Chaucer is one with whom it is easiest to have a sense of comradeship.”

Definitions of Satire

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the great English lexicographer Samuel Johnson defines satire as “a poem in which wickedness or folly is censured.” It can be seen in many English poems such as The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer, Absolom and Achitophel by Dryden, The Rape of the Lock by Pope, and The Paradise Lost by John Milton. In all poems, mentioned poets have criticized the impiety and immorality of their subject. Chaucer has depicted depravity of the members of his society. Milton has harshly exposed the sinfulness of the characters of his poem.

Explaining about satire, Thrall, et al describe it as “a literary manner which blends a critical attitude with humour and wit to the end that human institutions or humanity may be improved.”. Chaucer’s attempt in illustrating the characters of knight or prioress or monk in the prologue provides others the chance of laughing at them with the purpose of their correction. The Rape of The Lock exhibits Pope’s approach of humiliating the follies of his characters i.e. the theft of lock of heroin Blenda and then war between two noble families, is very thoughtful effort for their improvement. More humour is added by comparing it to the world of the classical gods.

Conferring satire, it is mentioned in Encyclopaedia Britannica that the satire is a verbal caricature that shows a deliberately distorted image of a person, institution or a society. Milton’s portrayal of heaven and hell with the related characters is really exaggerated for immense effects. Dryden’s most important satirical poem, Absalom and Achitophel, concerning the royal court of the monarch, Charles II and the political intrigues surrounding his illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth depicts distorted image of monarchy.

Satire is a bitter form of criticism in the way that it has a definite moral purpose. The satirist directly hits the fouls and corruptions of his subject. He intentionally separates our sympathies from those whom he describes and ends by finding anger and hatred overpower his sense of the ridiculing.

Examples of Satire in the Prologue

One of the corrupt pilgrims is the Monk. He is fond of hunting, he keeps a large number of fine horses in his stable, he finds the rules of monastic discipline to be old and therefore out of date thus he disregards the rules that govern monasteries. Chaucer is referencing the book of rules when he states:

” But thilke text heeld he nat worth an oystre;

And I seyde his opinioun was good. ”

The poet really doesn’t agree with the Monk’s opinion that the rules are outdated. He is using sarcasm to make his point that the Monk chooses not to follow the rules because they hamper his lifestyle of hunting, owning possessions, and eating fine foods.

Chaucer likewise uses the Pardoner to satirize the hypocrisy of the Church’s selling of pleasures for the forgiveness of sins, a practice in which giving a certain amount of money to the Church could wipe out sins even sins a person has not yet committed. The Pardoner always begins his “preche” by telling worshippers that the love of money is the root of all evil and the preche he utters in order to get the money he wants from them.

“For wel he wiste, whan that song was songe,

He moste preche, and wel affile his tonge

To wynne silver, as he ful wel koude;

Therefore he song the murierly and loude.”

Another member of the Church Chaucer satirizes is the Friar. Friars were not allowed to deliver judgment for profit, so this is another way he is a corrupt member of the Church. It shows that Friar allows sinners to pay him for forgiveness when they are deeply depressed for their sins. This kind of behaviour represents friar as a beggar as Chaucer states about him:

” He was the beste beggere in his hous; ”

This statement has double meaning. The Friar is a successful beggar because he makes such a good living begging from the wealthy people in his district. Instead of helping the poor, he uses this income for himself. In this way he is also a “fine” beggar as it helps him to own expensive clothes and luxuries.

Chaucer exaggeratingly satirizes the Prioress’s sentimentality and pretensions of being from a higher class. The awkward thing that she does for it is that she speaks French in English manner as Chaucer states;

“And Frenssh she spak ful faire and fetisly,

After the scole of Stratford atte Bowe,

For Frenssh of Parys was to hire unknowe.”

Her extreme gentleness is out of genuine sensibility as she pretends to be very tender and delicate according to the following verses:

“She was so charitable and so pitous

She wolde wepe if that she saugh a mous

Kaught in a trappe, if it were deed or bledde.

Of smale houndes hadde she, that she fedde”

But the tale told by her is quite opposite to this personality depiction in which a Jew cuts the throat of a Christian boy and throws him into a cesspool. One can imagine how harsh and cruel this story is.

Definitions of Irony

While explaining irony, the famous philosopher of nineteenth century, James Robert Boyd describes “The expression of strong reproof or censure, under the appearance of praise.” It is quite true and is most obvious when we come across verbal ironies. For instance in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy says of Elizabeth Bennet that she is not “handsome enough to tempt me” but falls in love with her.

Thrall, et al describe irony as “a figure of speech in which the actual intent is expressed in words which carry the opposite meaning” such as if somebody has stepped out in a flooding situation and is saying, “What a nice weather we have!” Othello is a great example of it when Othello resolves to murder his loving and innocent wife because of the secret sinful scheme of Iago.

An American critic, W. Ginsberg has defined irony as “the figure that joins negation and plentitude together” Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is imitating to be dead but Romeo does not know and thinks she is really dead.

Irony is a method of humorous or sarcastic expression in which the intended meaning of the words used is the direct opposite of their usual sense. It is also the state of ignorance in argument. It speaks a gross exaggeration or a falsehood, knowing it to be exaggerated or false, but announcing it as serious truth. Listening to it, intelligent men think, “That cannot be true. He cannot possibly mean that.” They realise that the speaker means the reverse of what he says.

4 Primary Advantages of Ceramic Ferrules for Many Industries

In case you don’t know, ceramic ferrules are primarily used if you want to seal, reinforce, fasten, or join something. In most of these units, there is a circular clamp. It can be used for attaching posts, fibers, and wires. Generally, it is done through crimping or swaging. Apart from this, it is possible to do so if you want to deform ferrules in order to tighten it. In this article, we are going to focus on some of the primary advantages of this material. Read on to find out more.

The first characteristic of ceramic ferrules is that it is a type of cap or ring. Moreover, it can easily withstand wear and tear, shock, and other types of damages.

Apart from this, you can also use it with a strong connector body. The good news is that you can choose from different types of ferrules that you can find in the market. Some good examples of these ferrules include ceramic, plastic, metal, and glass, just to name a few.

As far as efficiency is concerned, ceramic ferrules are on top of the list. This is the reason most industries go for it instead of other types out there. But the million-dollar question is, why is it better than other materials out there. Let’s take a look at some primary features of this material.

1. Durability

The good news is that ceramic ferrules are quite strong, which is why they are an ideal choice. As a matter of fact, they can last much longer than other alternatives available.

2. Allows Easy Connection

Although all types of ferrules allow a connection, ceramic ferrules are the best choice for different industries.

3. Ease of Application

Due to technological advancements, it has become a lot easier to mold perils. Based on customer requirements, it can be molded for best results. Regardless of the single or multimode application, you can enjoy great results.

4. Water-Resistant

Another great feature of ceramic perils is that they can withstand abrasives, hot gases, and water. As a matter of fact, they are used in different types of heat exchangers and high-quality shell inlets for the same reason.

It is important to keep in mind that ceramic ferrules may be a little more expensive than other alternatives. However, the additional price is worth it for many reasons. Therefore, it makes sense to pay a little more and go for the best product. Therefore, if you want to make this purchase, we suggest that you consider your requirements and go for the best product to cover your needs. And don’t forget to choose the best manufacturer in the industry as you don’t want to end up purchasing a poor-quality product.

Top Financial Tips for Millennials

Are you a millennial who feels overwhelmed trying to manage your finances? Are you getting the most out of your money? Financial literacy is not often taught in schools and they don’t do a great job preparing their graduates to manage their finances. So when you’re out of college and start real life, it can be a little overwhelming and it is easy to get yourselves into debt and other financial trouble.

Most millennials are currently in their 20s and 30s – a time when many young people are ready to make major financial decisions in their lives, like home ownership, long-term investment activity, etc. If you’re currently a part of this generation here’s your crash course on what you should do to improve your financial wellness:

Take online financial courses
Since most young adults have the propensity for technology it is suggested you take a few basic online courses in economics, accounting, and any other financial topics that may be of interest to you.

Embrace Technology
When it comes down to managing your money there is probably an app. To help you do that. These apps. Can categorize your spending habits and help you manage your spending. These insights can help you save money each month and then transfer that money directly to your savings. Online financial apps can help you make a workable budget for your lifestyle and ultimately change your net worth.

When it comes down to managing your money there is probably an app to help you do that. Mobile apps like Clarity Money can help you track any wasteful spending habits. Digit and Stash can recommend where you can save money each month and then transfer that money directly to your savings. Online financial apps can help you make a workable budget for your lifestyle and ultimately change your net worth.

Examine Your Current Bank Accounts
Are you paying fees? If so, for what? Monthly maintenance and minimum balance fees should never be a fee on your account statement. Free checking accounts, are available, especially at credit unions and these accounts will help you keep more of your own money in your pockets. So don’t settle for anything else.

Build Your Credit and Understand the Impact of your Credit Score
Early on, you may only have a student loan or a credit card on your credit report. But now it’s time to start building your credit. Ask your credit union about a Credit Builder Loan to help jumpstart your credit. And if you already have some active loans, make sure you’re making payments on time every month. You’ll need that good credit history when you want to make big purchases in the future like a car, rent an apartment, or get a mortgage for your first home.

It’s also important to know that if you are planning on opening up a business your personal credit may be the defining factor in your ability to access necessary working capital.

Repay Debt Tactically
Since we are on the topic of credit, a lot of young adults have credit cards with very high interest rates. Focus on paying off those debts first! If possible, transfer those balances to a lower-rate credit card. It’s much easier to pay down debt when more is going toward the balance.

Track everything to obtain your whole financial picture
Just as businesses manage their cash flow, individuals need to do the same by tracking their income, expenses, assets and liabilities. There are many online tools to help you like Mint, Quicken and Personal Capital.

Build an Emergency Fund
Unplanned/unfair/unfortunate events can happen in the blink of an eye. You may get in a car accident, have unforeseen medical expenses or lose your job. That’s why it’s important for everyone to have an emergency fund. The best way is to set up an automatic savings plan where you pay yourself first by depositing a portion of your paycheck into a separate savings account. If you forget it’s there you won’t be tempted to spend it.

Create a Long-Term Savings Strategy
An emergency fund is a short-term strategy, but you also can’t forget the big picture. Does your employer offer a matching 401(k)? If so, be sure to take advantage of that opportunity. It’s fundamentally free money, and it’s an investment in your future.

Get yourself a financial mentor
Even though there is an overabundance of information and apps on the Internet to help with your financial security, it is far superior to pick the brain and bounce questions off a trusted friend or colleague. Their pertinent insights will most likely be tailored to your specific requirements.

Use these financial tips listed above to get your finances on track while you’re still young. You’ve got a bright future ahead – so start now and stick with it. Your financial well-being will thank you! Although these tips are targeted at millennials, they’re useful for all ages.

The Benefits of Setting Up Recurring Payments for Rent Collection

More than half of the population do not pay their bills on a timely manner just because they forgot to do so. Landlords who no longer want to remind their tenants of due rent payments, as well as tenants who like to improve their credit rating and rental history should think about setting up recurring payments.

This provides tenants with a “set and forget” alternative to make sure their rent payment is withdrawn from their bank account every month. Also, landlords do not need to go through the trouble of waiting for check payments, going to the bank to deposit them and recording payments in their records.

Landlords Will See a Reduction in Late Payments

Because of reminders and notices, it is a lot easier for tenants to remember that their rent payment is fast approaching. As a matter of fact, tenants can deposit money directly into the bank account of their landlords without having to know their banking details. In addition, there are also different ways to pay rent online like by means of:

Websites

Text Messaging

Mobile Apps

Many tenants have gone through the stress of realizing that their rent payment is already due. At present, there are different options of online payment that save them the trouble of rushing to the bank or searching thoroughly inside the house to look for their checkbook. They just need to open their computer or use their phone and in a matter of minutes, their payment is taken care of.

Tenants Can View Bill Status Anytime, Anywhere

Tenants do not need to be caught unprepared with regards to their bill status. A lot of online rent payment platforms let them view their bill status 24/7. They can also benefit from easy digital records that enable them to forego the paperwork.

Rent Payments are More Secure

Paying rent online is among the most secure options for tenants and landlords alike. Tenants do not have to worry that their checks might get lost or stolen in the mail.

Online rent payments provide tenants with more security. On the other hand, checks contain bank information printed on the front part. Therefore, tenants who pay rent using checks are more prone to becoming victims of fraud.

Pay Rent Online From Just About Anywhere

In the above mentioned, paying rent online avoids the inconvenience of buying envelopes, stamps and checks. Tenants do not need to rush to the bank on time since all they need to do is long on to their computer or reach out for their phone to make a rent payment. They can imagine what it would be like to be able to pay the rent while enjoying some me time at a coffee shop or standing in line at a grocery.

« Newer posts