I just completed the celebrated work of Geoffrey Chaucer – The Canterbury Tales. When I picked it up, I did not go through my usual routine of book buying. I did not bother to check it’s plot or anything in general. It was a Chaucer, and that was good enough for me. I was under the perception that a fourteenth century classic novel would provide me with some classic humour, apart from the knowledge of the prevalent English at the time. Boy, was I far from it!
The novel revolves around the tales told about some of the common characters found in the middle ages, including a reeves, miller and a pardoner. Except for a few, the tales are outrageously raunchy and crudely comic in nature. Don’t believe me? Go through The Miller’s Tale or The Merchant’s Tale.
If something of this sort was written today, it would have been cast aside as a cheap and dirty book, but since it is something from the ages beyond, people take pride in telling that they read Chaucer. I don’t understand the people of today in general, or am I the only one?
September 29, 2009
English Classic?
Travelogue: Paris
Throughout history, I have seen French as a country proud of its culture and heritage. During the first 8-9 decades of the 100 year war, it was clearly evident that French knights are not an equal match against the English Longbow. Yet they fought hard and long enough to turn the tide of the war. In the First World War, they were able to force the Prussians into a long expensive stalemate. However against Hitler the French surrendered, faster than the German tanks could march. Paris was declared as an open city and Hitler simply marched in.
This event always puzzled me. Because although some brave citizens did put up a strong resistance, it was not formidable enough. It was only during the weekend, when I visited Paris could I understand. Each and every road in Paris has so much history around it. The buildings are both beautiful and antique. In 3 days, I could barely touch few of the important monuments and it will take me atleast 2 more weekends before I am somewhat satisfied.
I am not convinced that:
It is easy to terrorize the civilized world into submission because they have too much to lose.
This was the statement made by Atilla the hun, when he tried to summarize the reason for his unprecedented success against the Roman and forcing them to pay a hefty tribute. Even today this explains the terror tactics of Jehadis and why USA is unable to curtain them.
If you haven’t visited Paris, then you have really missed a lot
