Summary:
The Book of the Duchess is the first major poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the 14th century. It is an elegiac dream vision believed to be a tribute to Blanche of Lancaster, the wife of John of Gaunt, who died in 1368.
The poem begins with the narrator suffering from insomnia and reading Ovid’s Metamorphoses to pass the time. Eventually, he falls asleep and enters a dream, where he finds himself in a beautiful forest. There, he meets a mysterious Black Knight, who is mourning the loss of his beloved lady, referred to as “Good Fair White” (likely representing Blanche).
The Black Knight expresses his sorrow through poetry and dialogue, recounting his deep love for the lady and his despair after her death. The narrator listens and attempts to offer comfort. However, as the conversation continues, it becomes clear that the Knight is heartbroken beyond consolation.
The dream suddenly ends, and the narrator wakes up, left to reflect on the meaning of what he has witnessed. The poem serves as both a personal expression of grief and an elegy honoring a noblewoman.
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| Question | Answer |
| Title | The Book of the Duchess |
| Author | Geoffrey Chaucer |
| Time Period | Late 14th century |
| Genre | Dream Vision, Elegy |
| Themes | Love, Loss, Mourning, Courtly Love |
| Main Characters | The Narrator, The Black Knight, Good Fair White |
| Significance | Chaucer’s first major poem |
| Symbolism | The Black Knight represents John of Gaunt’s grief |
| Ending | The narrator wakes up, reflecting on grief |