On most weeks, I am able to complete my scheduled reading by the Wednesday on which we discuss that selection in class. For the Troilus and Criseyde reading I purchased a modernization; The Portable Chaucer, edited and translated by Theodore Morrison. This particular translation is helpful, because I have found that it does not deviate far from the
Riverside text. In most cases, Morrison has simply updated the spelling. This modernization allows me to read more quickly than the Riverside Chaucer, but also gives me a feel for the language and format of the original text. 

However, I have been too passive in the reading process. This half of the semester, I have slipped into the habit of reading far too quickly and impatiently. As a result, I do not absorb enough of the subtleties, nuances and patterns of the text. Therefore, my goal for the remainder of the semester is to increase my active engagement with the text. 

I am enjoying the opportunity to read Chaucer, particularly selections of the Canterbury Tales. I did not have any prior exposure to Chaucerian material before this class. I now realize that Chaucer connects to a great deal of literary texts, and so I feel that by reading Chaucer I am more aware in my other literature classes. I especially enjoy Chaucer’s exploration of personal identity and the ways in which it connects to society, gender and sexuality.

One of the concepts that have most influenced me in our discussions of medieval literature is the portrayal of narcissism in courtly relationships. I think that this concept has a great deal of exigency; I find connections to courtly narcissism in other works of literature, as well as in contemporary media and idealized views of romance.

            I have not yet made enough progress on my research portfolio. I have begun the process of browsing and selecting articles, but I have not yet decided on a theme. I considered continuing with the topic of “marriage and adultery”, which I selected for the first half of my portfolio. However, most of the scholarly articles I have found on Troilus and Criseyde do not fit with this topic, and so it might be beneficial to choose another. In addition, a different topic would help to broaden my knowledge and perspectives on courtly literature. I am considering researching either the Chaucerian portrayal of sexuality, or Chaucerian depictions of the masculine.