A Book with Legs: Mary Flannery on Geoffrey Chaucer - Unveiling the Merry Bard
Podcast Information:
- Title: A Book with Legs
- Host/Author: Smead Capital Management
- Episode: Mary Flannery - Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard
- Release Date: April 7, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of A Book with Legs, hosted by Cole Smead of Smead Capital Management, Mary Flannery, a distinguished medievalist and author, delves deep into the life and works of Geoffrey Chaucer. Through her insightful analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Chaucer's enduring impact on English literature and the socio-political landscape of late medieval England.
Mary Flannery’s Background
Mary Flannery introduces herself as a scholar specializing in the literature and culture of late medieval England. Currently holding a Swiss National Science Foundation Excellence Professional fellowship at the University of Bern, Switzerland, Mary has previously been associated with esteemed institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Lausanne, Queen Mary University of London, and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Key Quote:
"Chaucer is somebody that it took me a long time to get interested in... I did not get around to it until college, and I gotta say, I was not impressed."
— Mary Flannery [02:13]
Chaucer’s Engagement with Poetry
Mary discusses her initial lack of interest in Chaucer, revealing that her fascination grew through her study of Shakespeare's history plays, which often reference Chaucer. This cross-disciplinary approach underscored Chaucer's foundational role in English literary traditions.
Key Quote:
"Chaucer is definitely not somebody who paints himself in that kind of divinely inspired tradition."
— Mary Flannery [05:04]
The Linguistic Landscape of Medieval England
Chaucer's significance is partly attributed to his deliberate choice to write in English during a period when Latin and French dominated literary and official discourse. Mary highlights the trilingual nature of medieval England—English, Latin, and French—and Chaucer's role in elevating the status of English in literature.
Key Quote:
"Within 10 years of his death in 1400, we see poets already referring to him as this kind of father figure in the English literary tradition."
— Mary Flannery [07:07]
Chaucer’s Life and Social Circles
Mary provides an in-depth look at Chaucer's upbringing in a prosperous family of vintners in London’s Vintry Ward. His early exposure to diverse cultures and languages laid the groundwork for his literary pursuits. Chaucer's roles in various households, including that of John of Gaunt, positioned him within influential social circles, facilitating both his diplomatic and literary endeavors.
Key Quote:
"It’s through a line like parallel networking. He’s meeting people who are engaged in the same kind of work, have the same kind of social aspirations."
— Mary Flannery [17:10]
The Hundred Years' War and Cultural Exchange
Despite the ongoing Hundred Years' War between England and France, Mary emphasizes that cultural and social exchanges persisted. This interplay influenced literary works, including Chaucer’s, fostering a blend of English and continental literary traditions.
Key Quote:
"Cultural and social exchange between these two warring nations was continuing at the same time."
— Mary Flannery [21:09]
Chivalric Ideals in Chaucer’s Work
Chaucer’s writings reflect the chivalric ideals promoted by King Edward III, although he approaches them with subtle satire. Mary explains how Chaucer incorporates themes of nobility and gentility, often juxtaposing them with the flawed behaviors of contemporaneous societal figures.
Key Quote:
"There’s a sort of canny, shrewd humor... he has a very clear sense of where he lies in the grand scheme of things."
— Mary Flannery [12:11]
The Book of the Duchess and Dream Poetry
One of Chaucer's earlier works, The Book of the Duchess, serves as an example of medieval dream poetry. Mary explains the structure of dream poems and connects this work to the commemoration of John of Gaunt's first wife, Blanche.
Key Quote:
"This is something that was written to commemorate the death of Gaunt’s first wife, Blanche."
— Mary Flannery [28:00]
The Parliament of Fowls and Valentine’s Day
Chaucer's Parliament of Fowls is among the earliest literary pieces to associate Valentine’s Day with the celebration of love. Mary highlights the poem's role in shaping the romantic traditions that persist today.
Key Quote:
"It seems to be one of the very earliest pieces of textual evidence for the sort of romantic celebration of Valentine’s Day."
— Mary Flannery [49:27]
The Wife of Bath: A Complex Character
The Wife of Bath stands out as one of Chaucer's most controversial and compelling characters. Mary explores the duality of her portrayal—embodying both anti-feminist stereotypes and proto-feminist agency. This complexity invites readers to reevaluate traditional interpretations of gender roles in medieval literature.
Key Quote:
"He’s really prompting us to reflect on whose responsibility it is for circulating those stereotypes in the first place."
— Mary Flannery [55:28]
Chaucer’s Satire and Social Commentary
Chaucer frequently targets the clergy and the societal norms of his time through adept satire. Mary discusses how Chaucer's works, such as the Physician’s Tale, critique the hypocrisy and moral discrepancies among the clergy, using humor as a vehicle for social commentary.
Key Quote:
"The clergy really are one of the most popular satirical targets that you find in medieval literature."
— Mary Flannery [61:00]
The Economic Context: The Peasants' Revolt
Despite the backdrop of economic turmoil and events like the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, Mary notes that Chaucer's literary works seldom address these issues directly. This omission raises intriguing questions about Chaucer's focus and the influence of his social standing on his writings.
Key Quote:
"It's extraordinary that we don't see more reference to this kind of event [the Peasants' Revolt] in Chaucer's poetry."
— Mary Flannery [56:12]
Chaucer’s Travels and Influence
Chaucer's journeys across Europe, including his travels to Florence in 1373, exposed him to diverse literary influences, particularly from Italian poets like Dante and Boccaccio. These experiences enriched his poetry, enabling him to blend various cultural elements into his works.
Key Quote:
"He’s making use of their work, he alludes to their work. He never mentions Boccaccio by name."
— Mary Flannery [35:53]
The Retractions: Chaucer’s Final Disclaimer
At the end of many manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales, a prose passage known as Chaucer’s Retractions appears. Mary interprets this text as Chaucer’s personal disclaimer, distancing himself from the more secular and bawdy aspects of his work in favor of more elevated, spiritual literature.
Key Quote:
"He’s essentially retracting everything that he’s written that might be considered not spiritual or lecherous or a little too light-hearted."
— Mary Flannery [66:48]
Chaucer’s Legacy and Physical Landmarks
Mary recommends visiting Poets’ Corner in Westminster, believed to be Chaucer’s burial site, and the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, home to the renowned Ellesmere Manuscript of The Canterbury Tales. These sites offer tangible connections to Chaucer’s enduring legacy.
Key Quote:
"If there's one manuscript that you want to see in relation to Chaucer's life and work, then that would be it [the Ellesmere Manuscript]."
— Mary Flannery [71:52]
Conclusion
Mary Flannery's exploration of Geoffrey Chaucer unveils the intricate layers of his work and the historical context that shaped his poetry. From his strategic use of the English language to his nuanced satire and complex character portrayals, Chaucer emerges as a multifaceted figure whose literary contributions continue to resonate. This episode not only highlights Chaucer’s artistic brilliance but also underscores the enduring relevance of his work in understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of medieval England.
Final Quote:
"A good laugh that brings us to tears... don't take yourself too seriously."
— Mary Flannery [73:13]
End of Summary