Chaucer and the Culture of Dissent ― The Lollard Context and Subtext of the Parson's Tale

From the second of its introduction, the Parson's Tale is not only great literature but a great puzzle. How many clues can you find to Chaucer's assessment of Lollard discourse and ideas? McCormack (English, National U. of Ireland, Galway) finds plenty, balancing literary and history approaches and considering the possibility that Chaucer was actually expressing his sympathy with Lollardism. Amongst her clues are possible references to the Wycliffe's translation of the Bible, specific allusions to Lollards, and themes of Lollardism, including he language of sin and redemption, penitential language, legal terms, and the language of persecution. She examines association with an essential facet of Lollardism, namely scripture in the vernacular, sources and analogues, and tropes such as the role of the clergy, Lollardism in politics, and the use of oaths. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)