The Miller's Tale and Colonialism Themes

The idea that classic works are created by societies that have achieved a certain level of maturity in their culture.

A state of being aware of history, allowing for a balance between tradition and progress.

A set of shared codes of conduct and social behavior that regulate a society.

A common language with established grammar, usage, and elegance.

A writer who fully utilizes the cultural resources of their time, creating a definitive work that captures the essence of their civilization.

The act of creating art while feeling a sense of separation from the dominant culture.

The collection of works considered to be the most important and influential in a particular field, often reflecting the values and biases of those who select them

The power and influence associated with a particular social group, often based on education, knowledge, and social position.

The notion that the literary canon represents a diverse society, but often overlooks certain groups and perspectives.

The idea that art and literature sometimes become detached from their initial meaning and become mere copies or simulations of their original purpose.

A narrative technique that emphasizes the ordinariness and details of life, often using precise physical descriptions and realistic language.

Robinson Crusoe's diary, which acts as the primary source of the story; providing detailed accounts of his daily activities, feelings, and struggles.

A recurring pattern or event in the story that reinforces the realism and authenticity of the events described.

A type of story that draws on traditional folklore and myths, giving a feeling of familiarity to the audience.

The idea that individuals can succeed and overcome challenges through their own determination and strength.

Stories about divine beings and heroes, often involving supernatural elements and larger-than-life characters.

The belief that some events are a consequence of divine punishment, often for past wrongdoings.

The way in which details and descriptions create a realistic and believable world for the reader.

A style of writing that mimics and satirizes existing literary conventions, often using humor and exaggeration.

A literary device that contrasts with and critiques the established norms and values of a society.

A genre of literature that often features idealized characters, romantic love, and heroic deeds.

The Miller's Tale uses everyday language and a fast-paced narrative to parody the idealized world of courtly romance.

Robinson Crusoe's internal struggles represent a clash between his own beliefs and the contrary arguments he encounters, prompting reflection on personal biases and assumptions.

The relationship between Crusoe and Friday reflects the dynamics of colonialism, highlighting power imbalances, dehumanization, and cultural subjugation.

Defoe's representation of Friday as a 'noble savage' emphasizes his inherent goodness and natural morality, challenging the dominant view of savagery.

The tension between Crusoe's Hobbesian worldview and Friday's moral code showcases the contrasting philosophies regarding human nature and the state of society.

Defoe's use of racist language and comparisons to European standards highlights the complexities of cultural understanding and implicit biases within the novel.

The novel's exploration of Friday's un-Christianized state raises a central question: is Christianization a necessary or even beneficial force?

The novel's narrative emphasizes the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding, particularly through the contrast between Crusoe's initially selfish actions and Friday's inherent goodness.

The novel's complex portrayal of Crusoe's inner struggles and his interactions with Friday offer insightful reflections on colonialism, cultural bias, and the nature of humanity.

The speaker in Shakespeare's sonnets desires control, but lacks the power to influence the young man's life. He uses poetry as a way to explore his own experiences and gain understanding of the world around him.

This sonnet explores the concept of beauty and identity, imagining the young man as an embodiment of perfection. Nature, captivated by his beauty, chooses to make him male, implying a divine act of creation.

Sonnet 116 celebrates the enduring nature of love. The speaker asserts that love is constant and unchanging, transcending time’s limitations.

The speaker, trapped by his desire for the youth, seeks a unity of mind but realizes it's unattainable. He longs for a bond of mutual virtue, but the youth's narcissism prevents it.

This sonnet explores the idea of being consumed by one's passions, specifically within the context of Renaissance ideals. Admiration for someone can lead to overwhelming emotions and desire.

The youthful beauty is described as being naturally protected by time. While nature can provide blessings, time will ultimately claim him, as it does everyone.

Shakespeare's sonnets, through their recurring themes and emotional echoes, create a chamber of unrequited desire. This echoes the myth of Narcissus, consumed by his own reflection, unable to reciprocate Echo's affections.

The speaker utilizes myths like that of Narcissus to recontextualize the story of Laura. This is a way of exploring his own experiences and motivations.

Petrarch's love for Laura is described as a "catastrophe." This refers to the profound impact Laura has on him, causing intense emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and a sense of being fractured.

Petrarch's poetry is filled with contradictions, oxymorons, and self-questioning. He grapples with the intense emotional experience of love alongside a deep intellectual analysis of it.

Petrarch's poetry explores the idea of "riveness of subjectivity." This refers to how love fractures the individual's sense of self, creating a split between the lover's fragmented self and the idealized, transcendent figure of Laura.

Petrarch's love for Laura is described as "unobtainable." Laura is married and represents an idealized figure that he can never truly possess.

Petrarch embodies the idea of the "blasted human." The intense, disruptive nature of his love for Laura leaves him emotionally and intellectually ravaged.

Petrarch uses the myth of Apollo and Daphne to explore his own experience of love. He sees himself as Apollo, longing for the unattainable Daphne (representing Laura), and he finds solace in scattering symbols of her throughout his world.

Petrarch's obsession with Laura has been ongoing for years, as evidenced by his anniversary poems. He remains fixated on the moment he first saw her, trapped in an echo chamber of his own creation.

Laura is portrayed as an "absolute" in Petrarch's poetry, existing beyond the realm of mortal subjectivity and possessing divine beauty and perfection.

Petrarch sees Laura as an "enchanting aura" that permeates his world, imbuing it with a special significance and beauty. She becomes the animating force of his reality.

Petrarch's love for Laura functions as a "canon" for the way love is written about in poetry, setting a standard for future Renaissance poets.

The moment Petrarch first saw Laura was on Good Friday, a significant religious day that symbolizes both suffering and redemption. This aligns with the idea of Laura being both a source of intense pain and inspiration for him.

Petrarch's love for Laura catapults him to fame and leads to him becoming a poet laureate. His passionate and heartfelt poetry earns him recognition and solidifies his place in literary history.

Petrarch's experience of love blends fact and fiction, creating an inseparable narrative that conflates his real-life encounter with Laura with his poetic imagination.

Petrarch's relentless pursuit of fame raises questions about what he truly loves. Is it Laura or the recognition he receives through writing about her?