Chaucer and the Ethics of Time

Geoffrey Chaucer's poems explore the moral dimension of time, challenging conventional moral dichotomies and exploring the relationship between the interior sense of time and external pressures. His diverse philosophical ideas about time unfold through the reciprocity between form and discourse, encouraging a new look at narrative sequences and structures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

Geoffrey Chaucer, a pivotal figure in the history of timekeeping, delved into the moral intricacies of time in his poetic works, surpassing mere mechanical fascination with medieval clocks. In his book, Chaucer and the Ethics of Time, the author explores Chaucer's profound sensitivity to the uncertainties of human existence amidst the ever-changing temporal landscape. Through a meticulous examination of his major works, the book uncovers strategies employed by Chaucer to ethically contextualize historical vision. While wasting time was sometimes condemned in the late Middle Ages, Chaucer challenges conventional moral dichotomies and delves into a complex and nuanced relationship between the inner sense of time and the external forces of linearism and cyclicality.

Chaucer's philosophical ideas about time emerge through a reciprocal interplay between form and discourse, fostering a fresh perspective on the characters' contemplations on time, reminiscent of the traditions of St. Augustine and Boethius. Moreover, the book unravels manifold narrative sequences and structures, including instances of anachronism, highlighting Chaucer's innovative approach to storytelling. By examining these aspects, Chaucer and the Ethics of Time offers a profound exploration of the ethical dimensions of time, shedding light on the complexities of human experience and the rich tapestry of medieval literature.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786838360