Haldeen Braddy, "Chaucer's Comic Valentine"

Chaucer's Comic Valentine
Haldeen Braddy
Modern Language Notes

Braddy uses evidence from Chaucer’s historical background to support his argument that Parliament of Fowles is meant to be read as comedy. He argues (rather weakly) that because animals are portrayed as talking personalities, the poem is humorous in basic framework. His are claims originate from Gardiner Stillwell’s critical work “Unity and Comedy in Chaucer’s Parliament of Foules.” Braddy doesn’t sufficiently resolve the question of irony in the poem, yet considers his argument true. Aside from the general argument, this short article has plenty of useful bibliographical data, and a short paragraph on Chaucer’s participation in the negotiations of betrothing Prince Richard and Princess Marie.

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Tony Hahn