Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Harry Bailly, the Host figure in the Canterbury Tales, is used by
Chaucer as an artistic device to bridge the gap between the worlds of
reality and fiction. His existence is central to the believability of
the entire poem; as he developes as a convincing character, his interaction
with the pilgrims reveals aspects of their characters also.
This investigation examines Chaucer's method of using Harry Bailly an
an "authenticating device" to create an illusion of reality in his
poem, beginning in the first chapter with a review of the background
scholarship concerning Harry Bailly's functions throughout the
narrative. The secon1 chapter considers the Host's interaction with
various pilgrims, as seen in his regular appearances in the frame.
Finally, the third chapter is devoted to two views of Harry Bailly
which serve to depict him at his most real, in his confrontation with
the Pardoner and in his comments on his own marriage.
Chaucer as an artistic device to bridge the gap between the worlds of
reality and fiction. His existence is central to the believability of
the entire poem; as he developes as a convincing character, his interaction
with the pilgrims reveals aspects of their characters also.
This investigation examines Chaucer's method of using Harry Bailly an
an "authenticating device" to create an illusion of reality in his
poem, beginning in the first chapter with a review of the background
scholarship concerning Harry Bailly's functions throughout the
narrative. The secon1 chapter considers the Host's interaction with
various pilgrims, as seen in his regular appearances in the frame.
Finally, the third chapter is devoted to two views of Harry Bailly
which serve to depict him at his most real, in his confrontation with
the Pardoner and in his comments on his own marriage.
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