Can you believe I am reading Chaucer when I don’t have to?
My daughter and I were at the library looking at the classics section. She remarked, “I heard Chaucer is really good.”
I don’t remember reading The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. I didn’t even know he was a poet!
One of the best things about being out of school is being able to read for pleasure, not for a grade.
So I picked up a facing-page translation of The Canterbury Tales and I am really enjoying it.
I admit, I can understand about every 3rd word of the original. Reading a facing-page translation allows me to get the full story, plus get a sense of the original wordings, a better feel of the tone, and appreciate the rhythm and rhyme.
I just finished reading the first story told by the Knight. It’s an ironic love story with a twist at the end. I love how characters of old are so gallant and chivalrous. It reminded me of The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. I loved that book. It’s hilarious.
I am now reading the second tale in The Canterbury Tales, told by the miller.
If you have not read these old classics, and if you are not a student, now is the time enjoy them.