introduction the problem and the possibility
chaucer as an intellectual man: a review
possibility of chaucer as an intellectual
the layout of the book
chapter one counselor or critic?
court poet as prince-pleaser, counselor, or critic?
chaucer's counseling: the tale of melihee
between counsel and critique: mirror for prince
chapter two chaucer as a social commentator
chaucer's position: in and on the society
writing as social practice: the nun's priest's tale
women in chaucer's society: criseydo and wife of bath
portraying of clerics: prioress, pardoner, and parson
chapter three entertainer, edifier and enlightener
the role of enlightener: authority negotiated
literary authority and chaucer's poetic innovation
masculine authority vs. feminine experience
chapter four wisdom and/or weakness
wisdom in art: commenting with strategies
wisdom in life: chaucer and chinese shi
weakness or not?
conclusion possibility of transcending
selected bibliography
primary sources
secondary sources