SCOTTISH CHAUCERIANS

 

SCOTTISH CHAUCERIANS

 

The name given to a group of 15th- and 16thcentury Scottish poets who wrote under the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer (or of his follower John Lydgate), often using his seven-line Rhyme Royal stanza.

The most important poets of this group were Robert Henryson, whose Testament of Cresseid continues and reinterprets the story of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, and William Dunbar, whose Lament for the Makaris briefly pays tribute to Chaucer.

Other figures are Gavin Douglas, Sir David Lyndsay, and King James I of Scotland. The term unfortunately diverts attention from the genuinely original character of these poets, and is thus not much favoured in Scotland.

 

Some notable Scottish writers who might be considered influenced by Chaucer include:

Robert Henryson

William Dunbar

Gavin Douglas

King James I of Scotland

 

Robert Henryson:

 

He is often considered a Scottish Chaucerian due to his significant influence by Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet. While there isn't a formal group or movement labeled "Scottish Chaucerians," Henryson's work clearly demonstrates the impact of Chaucer's style, themes, and literary techniques.

Both Chaucer and Henryson frequently employed allegorical narratives, where characters and events symbolize deeper meanings. Henryson's most famous work, "The Testament of Cresseid," is a prime example, continuing the story of Troilus and Criseyde from Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde."They often used their works to convey moral lessons or social commentary. Henryson's "Orpheus and Eurydice" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience.

 

William Dunbar:

A 15th-century Scottish poet celebrated for his satirical and moralizing poems, often using Chaucerian techniques and themes.

 Like Chaucer, Dunbar often used allegorical narratives and satirical humor to convey moral lessons or social commentary. His poems frequently satirized contemporary society, religion, and human nature.

His "The Dance of the Seven Deadly Sins" is a particularly notable example, satirizing the vices of humanity.

 

Gavin Douglas:

Gavin Douglas is another significant figure in Scottish literature often associated with the "Scottish Chaucerian" tradition. And demonstrating his familiarity with classical literature and Chaucerian influences.

 

One of Douglas's most notable works is his translation of Virgil's "Aeneid" into Scots. This translation not only demonstrates his mastery of both Latin and Scots but also showcases his familiarity with classical literature and Chaucer's own translations of classical works. His translation of the "Aeneid" includes extensive prologues that offer moral and philosophical commentary.

 

 

AUREATE DICTION

 

A highly ornate ('gilded') poetic diction favoured by the Scottish Chaucerians and some English poets in the 15th century, notably John Lydgate. The aureate style, perfected by William Dunbar, is notable for its frequent use of internal rhyme and of coinages adapted from Latin.