Reference no: EM133247310
Assignment - Morality and Ethical Constructs Sir Gawain & Wife of Bath Discussion
Description - Instructions - Choose one of the following prompts to answer on either a story, a tale, or prologue in at least one complete five-sentence paragraph.
Focus on analyzing and decoding symbolic representations in the work found through an analysis of the authorial tone and diction as you interpret the work. Look for idyllic imagery the author uses to sculpt the transitions between scenes that impact the plot, along with the way imagery is used to define the traits of the mortals versus the gods. This paragraph must be written in complete sentences. The entry should be at least one complete paragraph. There must be a topic sentence, background context, a claim, a citation from the work, an analysis of how the citation proves your claim, and a conclusion sentence that summarizes the main point of the paragraph.
A. From Chaucer:
1. How is natural order either imposed upon or impeded in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and the "Wife of Bath's Prologue"?
2. Define the notion of absolute truths or absolutism through the chivalric code established in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" based on Biblical morality and Aristotelian ethics. Is Sir Gawain truly an idyllic hero? Is the chivalric ideal attainable based on the tale? Why or why not? Explain your answer with specific examples and illustrations.
3. Is the Wife of Bath a reliable source? Define the notion of authority, or 'auctoritee', in her monologue.
4. How do the varying views on morality shown in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" differ through various ethical lenses? Which is the most predominate ethical approach that Chaucer takes? Justify your answer with examples and illustrations.
OR
B. From The Decameron:
1. Compare and contrast the Medieval definition of the concept of Fortune among the stories in the Decameron. Which one presents the most distinct portrayal of fate and good fortune? Why is this imperative to interpret when assessing a humanist interpretation versus the power of religious authority in the work?
2. How does the nature of religious criticism and satire impact the interpretation of the Decameron?
3. Explain the impact of classicism within the central plot of the stories in the Decameron. Focus on the impact of ancient philosophy, religion, and earlier sources of the stories to answer this prompt.
4. Identify how the central characters within the Decameron respond to the Aristotelian and Socratic ethical philosophies for attaining happiness. How does the Decameron promote the concept of harmony within society? Can this societal construct still be applied to our world today?
5. Define a Formalist interpretation of the text. This is one that is not influenced by information outside of the text itself. Focus on the central theme, tone, and style of the work. Compare and contrast this with from a New Historicist approach, an interpretation focusing on the culture of the specific regions within the work. Which approach best explores the nature of literariness in the context of the paradigm for existentialism in the work.