Comment on a) Chaucer's attitude to rhetoric b) His use of rhetoric (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

a) Chaucer's attitude towards rhetoric can be seen as complex and varied. On the one hand, he is well-versed in the classical rhetorical tradition and uses it effectively in his own writing, particularly in his descriptions of the characters in the Canterbury Tales. However, at the same time, Chaucer seems to be critical of the way that rhetoric is often used in his contemporary society. In the General Prologue, for example, he notes that the Pardoner's "onlye goode" is his ability to "preche and shewe," which suggests that he sees this as a form of manipulation rather than sincere persuasion.

b) Chaucer's use of rhetoric is skillful and sophisticated, particularly in the way that he employs various rhetorical devices to create memorable and effective descriptions of his characters. He uses devices such as hyperbole, litotes, and paradox to create vivid and engaging portraits of his pilgrims, and his use of irony and satire to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of his characters is both incisive and humorous. At the same time, Chaucer also uses rhetoric to reflect the social and cultural context of his time, and his tales often address contemporary issues and concerns through the use of rhetorical strategies such as allegory and exemplum. Overall, Chaucer's use of rhetoric is an integral part of his literary style and adds depth and richness to his writing.