Relation To Literature
The Canterbury Tales
Written by Geoffrey Chaucer during the time frame of roughly 1387-1400, The Canterbury Tales was Chaucer's most renowned story. It serves as a collection of several distinct medieval pilgrim's tales on their trip to Canterbury. Tales include those from the Knight, Yeoman, Squire, Friar, Wife, Physician, Cook, and Host, among others. This trip not only shows the unique perspective that Chaucer brings to the table, but also reflects the hierarchy of feudal society, and the role each individual plays in that structure. [17] |
The Canterbury Tales' relation to society is somewhat implicit. The story's link to society can be inferred, as Chaucer tells of a group of medical pilgrims who exemplify the social structure of that civilization. From there, the reader must draw connections between medieval society and its architecture. The relation here is that medieval society is centered around castles, and castles embody medieval society. But furthermore, castles act as anchors for the feudal system, and therefore stresses the social system's importance. This shows how because castles are a major part of medieval society, and medieval society is referenced in Chaucer's story, The Canterbury Tales is connected to medieval architecture.However indirect, the link between The Canterbury Tales and medieval architecture is irrefutable.
The Domesday Book
"Domesday Book is the product of an extraordinary survey of England commissioned by King William the Conqueror in 1085. It in fact comprises two volumes, now preserved at the National Archives: Little Domesday Book, which covers Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex; and Great Domesday Book, which covers the rest of England south of the River Tees." [18] The official survey of the Domesday Book happened around 1086. It detailed any and all aspects of individuals lives, including property worth, overdue taxes, and property geography. Part of the mystery of the Domesday Book resides in how it was written-- it uses heavily abbreviated Latin, and includes part of the vernacular common during the time. Not only that, but through gathered statistics, the Domesday Book reveals important information pertaining to the feudal hierarchy, and the system of chivalry. Yet, the Domesday Book was not a census and it did not record the name of everyone living in England in the 11th century. [19]
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The Domesday Book clearly relates to medieval architecture and castles, as William the Conqueror's survey examined these buildings, and their relations to people and society. The book goes even further, however, and specifies the geographical aspects of medieval life, and gives a qualitative layout of England. On a more personal level, William the Conqueror the "compiler" of the Domesday Book saw the establishment of many castles, and was to thank for the creation of many of those buildings. |
To generalize, every piece of medieval literature is directly related to medieval castles and society, as each literary work is a direct reflection of the time period. Therefore medieval literature encompasses medieval society, which is centered around castles and other architectural hubs.