Language:
English
Year of publication:
1999
Titel der Quelle:
Medieval Encounters; Jewish, Christian and Muslim Culture in Confluence and Dialogue
Angaben zur Quelle:
5,2 (1999) 198-213
Keywords:
Chaucer, Geoffrey,
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism To 1500
;
History
;
Islam Relations Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Judaism
Abstract:
States that in the "Prioress's Tale", Chaucer is representing real, not symbolic, Jews. Despite the expulsion of Jews from England, Chaucer had the opportunity to meet and know about Jews abroad. He often viewed Jews as allied to or even interchangeable with Muslims, who threatened Europe and controlled Asia, the setting for the tale. The Prioress told about Jews who were killed for allegedly murdering a Christian child. Since Islamic society treated Jews far better than Christians did, socially and religiously, the Prioress projected European attitudes onto "Asia." The Christian clergy (whom the Prioress represents) resented the Judeo-Islamic symbiosis. Some modern Chaucer scholars are shown to share antisemitic Christian attitudes. Two views are possible in regard to Chaucer himself. If one identifies him with the Prioress, he shares her antisemitism. However, if one detects irony in her representation, she is an ignorant bigot whose views should be rejected. Suggests that Chaucer may have had different attitudes toward Jews, Muslims, et al. at different times.
Note:
Appeared also in "Chaucer and the Jews" (2002).
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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