Geoffrey Chaucer Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"For soon shall Time the verneye cloke have from us cast,

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, "Soon shall Time the verdant cloak have from us cast," is a poetic way of saying that the passage of time will reveal our true nature or destiny. It suggests that life's temporary masks, metaphorically referred to as the 'green cloak,' will be removed, and we will face what lies beneath - our essence, our future, or perhaps our eventual fate. In other words, the transient nature of our existence is emphasized by the inevitable progression of time.

That hiding hath so long and hideous masked."

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer suggests that deception or concealment, when prolonged, often wears a grotesque and unsettling visage. It underscores the idea that truth, transparency, and honesty are essential in human interactions, as prolonged dishonesty can become uncomfortable and damaging to relationships and society at large.

- The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue

In "The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue", Geoffrey Chaucer introduces a diverse group of travelers on their journey to Canterbury. Through these characters, he offers insight into medieval society by depicting its various social classes, professions, and personalities. The quote reflects the essence of human nature - that people from different walks of life share commonalities such as curiosity, ambition, love, vanity, and a desire for camaraderie, despite their superficial differences. The characters' stories serve to bring these shared qualities to light, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding among readers for the complexities and richness of human experience.

"Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, the opening line from "The Canterbury Tales," signifies the arrival of spring. The word "Aprille" refers to April, the fourth month in the Julian calendar, "shoures" means showers (rain), and "soote" means sweet or pleasant. Thus, the quote symbolizes the welcome sight of gentle rain showers that sweeten as they fall during springtime, marking the renewal and rebirth associated with this season.

The droughte of March hath perced to the roote,

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in Middle English, refers to the harshness of winter's effects that have seeped down deep into the roots of plants, signifying a prolonged cold spell or drought during March. In essence, it describes a situation where nature has suffered significantly from the harsh winter conditions, implying a struggle for survival and resilience as spring approaches.

And bathed every veyne in swich licour,

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer from his work "The Canterbury Tales" is describing a state of utmost bliss or perfection. The phrase "bathed every veyne" suggests complete immersion, while "swich licour" refers to some exquisite substance, possibly metaphorical. Therefore, the quote can be interpreted as being in an extremely delightful condition where everything, symbolized by the 'veynes' or vessels of one's being, is filled with a precious fluid representing ultimate satisfaction or happiness.

Of which vertu engendred is the flour..."

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, "Of which vertu engendered is the flower," emphasizes that beauty or the 'flower' (outcome) arises from some underlying virtue (quality). It suggests a deep connection between inner qualities and external manifestations. Essentially, the quote highlights the idea that genuine beauty, whether it's in art, nature, or people, stems from an authentic inner source.

- The Canterbury Tales, Prologue to The Parliament of Fowles

In "The Canterbury Tales," Geoffrey Chaucer presents the idea that love is a universal force that transcends human understanding and control. Through his vivid allegory of birds in parliament (a debate), he suggests that love, like these birds, follows its own laws and rules, often leading individuals into irrational, destructive, or unpredictable behaviors. This quote encourages us to ponder upon the mysterious nature of love, acknowledge its power over us, and perhaps question our own actions when love is involved.

"Lo here a lewed man that hath two hertes in one cas,

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, from his Canterbury Tales, suggests a person who is duplicitous or hypocritical, having two hearts within one chest - acting one way but feeling another. In other words, he is a man who shows a false front to the world, while harboring different feelings or intentions within himself.

One for to love, and another for to fynan al his lif long age."

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer suggests a duality in human relationships. The first part implies finding someone to love deeply, passionately, and cherish throughout one's life. The second part signifies dedicating oneself completely to another for the entirety of their life, possibly indicating a lifelong devotion or commitment. It reflects the complexity and importance of love and companionship in human existence.

- The Canterbury Tales, Miller's Tale

In the "Miller's Tale" from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," Alisoun, the miller's wife, uses her wit to outsmart Nicholas, a cleric. The quote, "Wyf, so God us sende, as I hym trowe, In every stale an auncelot he thowt be," translates to "Wife, by my faith, in every old man, she thinks she sees her ancestor." This indicates that Alisoun cleverly manipulates the cleric into believing she is having affairs with old men, but they are actually her own ancestors, thus avoiding punishment for her perceived adultery. In a broader context, this quote showcases Chaucer's skill in capturing human nature and folly through entertaining stories that remain relevant today.

"Trouthe is the hyest thing that a man may keep."

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, "Trouthe is the hyest thing that a man may keep," emphasizes the supreme importance of truth in human life. The "hyest" here refers to the highest or most valuable. Essentially, Chaucer argues that truth should be treasured above all else as it represents integrity, honesty, and morality - traits that define an honorable person. In a world where deception can often seem beneficial, this quote encourages us to prioritize truthfulness in our actions, words, and decisions.

- The Canterbury Tales, Pardoner's Prologue

In the Pardoner's Prologue from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, the character of the Pardoner warns about the corrupting influence of money, using a metaphor that money is the root of all evil: > For under colours of this yerne[yellow] cow, > Cometh the pale death, as it were to a show. > And oftentimes his foot-print is seen so clear > Upon the ground, men may his presence know; > Yet hight he nought himself, but goes anon his way, > And after him doth every man forsake his trade, > For he is lord of life, and lord of good and ill. > And yet of this yerne cow wot not many a one, > That she hath two fair teats that hang down so low > That men may milk her at their pleasure anon; > But I have sworn never to taste of them twain, > For they bring death, as I have heard it told, > And yet every day am I compelled to look on them. This passage suggests that money can be alluring and seductive, like a yellow cow with two teats (symbolizing wealth), but also dangerous and deadly. The Pardoner warns that one should not become enslaved by the desire for money, as it leads people to abandon their moral principles and values, becoming willing to commit immoral or evil acts in order to acquire more wealth. The phrase "yet every day am I compelled to look on them" indicates the Pardoner's struggle with his own greed and temptation. Ultimately, the Pardoner recognizes that money is a corrupting force, and he vows not to indulge in it.

"Wel koude I telle, whan that the frost ful deepe

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer from "The Canterbury Tales" suggests a deep understanding or ability to recognize (koude I telle) when the frost is completely gone (whan that the frost ful deepe). It metaphorically signifies having the wisdom and discernment to sense when something significant has ended, in this case, the cold winter season.

Is clad agayn in swich array as it was wont to be."

This quote by Geoffrey Chaucer, from his work The Canterbury Tales, translates roughly to "He is dressed again in the same attire as he used to wear." It suggests a return to tradition or familiarity with the past, perhaps symbolizing comfort or nostalgia in returning to something known.

- The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue

In "The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue", Geoffrey Chaucer introduces a diverse group of travelers on their journey to Canterbury. Through these characters, he offers insight into medieval society by depicting its various social classes, professions, and personalities. The quote reflects the essence of human nature - that people from different walks of life share commonalities such as curiosity, ambition, love, vanity, and a desire for camaraderie, despite their superficial differences. The characters' stories serve to bring these shared qualities to light, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding among readers for the complexities and richness of human experience.