Leiden University Student Repository

Gerrits, Charlotte (2019)

Building Narrative: Architectural Representation in Works of Geoffrey Chaucer

Bachelor thesis | Engelse taal en cultuur (BA)

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the relationship between medieval literature and architecture. I’m hoping to find out whether the images of architectural structures in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer are true to what they would have looked like in the Middle Ages, or if they were based on earlier architecture styles or even based on merely his imagination. The main research questions for this thesis will be: how does Chaucer depict the built environment and use structures in his works? What effect does the use of structures and space have on the creation of a narrative? Did his travels to Europe influence the kind of structures he created? The main focus will be on the tower, temples and theatre in The Knight’s Tale, the three structures in House of Fame, and the city and domestic structures in Troilus and Criseyde.

Chaucer

Architecture

Literature

House of Fame

The Knight's Tale

Troilus and Criseyde

Author

Gerrits, Charlotte

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

philology

Supervisors

Murchison, K.A.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en