Influences of Post-Modernism
Canterbury Tales
In the prologue of “The Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer introduces the character who will embark on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Each pilgrim is described in detail and comes from a different place in society. The different pilgrims represent the layers of medieval society and the social structure. Intertextuality, irony, and maximalism are seen when looking at the tales through a post-modern lens. Along with these elements, a postmodernist would also see the diversity present in the descriptions of the pilgrims, which becomes an overall theme throughout the stories.
Intertextuality
Canterbury Tales
Throughout the tales, Chaucer uses the stories of pilgrims from different levels of society to reflect on societal norms from the medieval period.
Although he doesn't explicitly state that that is what he is doing, it can be inferred through the themes present. He does this through the use of satire and characters that defy the social order. One good example of this is in “The Wife of Bath Tale” where the wife of Bath defies the typical gender norms for the period.
She married multiple times and was very outspoken, which was not seen as okay during medieval times. “The Miller Tale” also does this by adding comedic value to the relationship. Although courtly love is a common theme throughout Medieval literature, making a character kiss someone's backside was definitely not. By adding satire and questioning social norms without explicitly stating that, Chaucer is showing the post-modern quality of intertextuality.
Connection to source 1 - "SURE, THE VELOCIRAPTORS ARE STILL ON THE LOOSE, BUT THAT’S NO REASON NOT TO REOPEN JURASSIC PARK"
This type of intertextuality can also be seen in the letter that the CEO of Jurassic Park released to the public. This letter, although not stated, is a metaphor for people going back to work after the Covid outbreak. Using magical realism to make a joke about a serious topic is so postmodern. Now, obviously dinosaurs are not real, but the COVID outbreak was very real. Even with the dinosaurs still on the loose (or COVID still spreading) they had to reopen right? Referencing Dr. Ian Malcolm's recommendation that they “wait until the velociraptors have been located and contained before reopening the park” speaks to the intertextuality between Jurassic Park and the Covid outbreak.
The magical element of dinosaurs paired with the realism of covid and reopening even in mass hysteria really brings the post-mod sparkle out.
My take
The intertextuality in “The Canterbury Tales” and “Sure, The Velociraptors Are Still On The Loose, But That’s No Reason Not To Reopen Jurassic Park” is very similar. Both allude to another societal problem, without ever stating that they are addressing it. This type of intertextuality is a way for the writer to question society without the consequences of questioning society. I think it's a cool way to present ideas without the risk of crazy people on the internet (or through the paper) sending you death threats.
Irony
Canterbury tales
Chaucer uses irony throughout the tales as a persuasive element. Throughout the tales, the juxtaposition of the outward appearance of the pilgrims and their actual nature is very ironic.
Specifically, in “Miller’s Tale” Absalom is depicted as being foolish, but also self-obsessed. He is also obsessed with Alison, but when he finally gets the chance to kiss her, he kisses the wrong side. This joke was way ahead of its time and I’m actually surprised that Chaucer wasn't shunned for including jokes like this in his tales, but it is actually funny.
The switch from wanting Alison and getting the chance to kiss her to him being humiliated is ironic and very funny. The irony is further present in the “Physicians Tale”. In this tale, the judge, Appius, is supposed to be an upholder of the law. Despite this, he uses his power to manipulate the law to benefit him. He wants to have Virginius, but his actions end in her death. This is ironic because he manipulated his power to break the law, but he still ended up being responsible for the death of the one he wanted. Again, Chaucer was ahead of his time, because today this is a fairly common occurrence where people in power use it to manipulate weaker people.
Connection to source 2- "Orestes"
The irony in “Miller’s Tale” connects with the post-modern element present in “Orestes”. The song has a cool contrast between the deep, heavy stuff in the lyrics and the chill vibes of the music. You've got these lyrics talking about all the emotional turmoil and need for transformation but then the music itself is all mellow and melodic. This contrast is very ironic and like almost scary. It’s kinda like a cool metaphor for life. Someone can be so beat up on the inside but they show people the happy, chill side on the outside. This type of songwriting reminds me of Noah Kahans writing style.
He writes songs with the most heartwrenching lyrics about depression and alcoholism but has a nice folky melody that makes you forget about the lyrics.
My take
These two sources link together due to the irony present. Although the types of irony are different, both works have the post-modern element. Irony has been present throughout all of literature and I think it's a cool way to add elements of humor to a story without sacrificing credibility.
Maximalism
Canterbury Tales
In the tales, Chaucer employs elements of maximalism in many ways throughout the tales. Maximalism is characterized by excessive details and complexity of the storyline. A big way he incorporated this post-modern element was by including many different tales into one big story.
Each pilgrim tale tells a different story with different themes. Many of these are allegories which is a big part of medieval literature. The use of many tales allows Chaucer to get across multiple themes in one place. Along with the different themes Chaucer can include, he also showcases the different social classes present in medieval society. With so many characters, we can see all the different ways people acted during this period. These methods allow for “The Canterbury Tales” to capture the complexities of human society within one work of literature, which is characteristic of post-modern maximalism.
Connection to source 3- "Humility"
The “Humility” music video is a great example of postmodern maximalism. The mix of the chill relaxing music with the weird obscure creatures creates an ironic contrast between maximalism and minimalism. The setting of Venice Beach is perfect for the maximalist side because it's known for its unique mix of culture and people. Everywhere you look there's something new and exciting happening there.
Having Jack Black there adds a new layer of fun because of his charismatic personality which adds to the vibe. Although a lot is going on visually, the musicality is pretty simple and minimalistic. Also, the smooth movements of the 2D characters are very laid back like they’re just enjoying themselves. The stripped-down music has a simple melody that lets the vocals take the front seat. the simplicity of the setting and character design, with maximalist features like the vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere of Venice Beach, create a dynamic visual experience that balances between simplicity and complexity.
My take
Although the forms of “literature” are different, maximalism can be seen in this music video and “The Canterbury Tales”. Both works include many different things going on at once which is prime maximalism. Although I'm not a maximalism girly, I can appreciate the ability to get across multiple themes in one form.
Conclusion
Breaking societal norms has stood the test of time. It is a timeless theme that shows the human need to rebel and have independence. Whether it is seen in going against medieval gender norms or using dinosaurs to allude to political issues, challenging cultural expectations will remain a central part of humanity.
Works Cited
A Perfect Circle. "Orestes." Mer De Noms, Virgin Records America, 2000. Genius, genius.com/A-perfect-circle-orestes-lyrics.
Gorillaz. "Humility." The Now Now, Parlophone Records Limited, 2018. Youtube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5yFcdPAGv0.
Greaves, Carlos. “Sure, The Velociraptors Are Still on The Loose, But That’s No Reason Not to Reopen Jurassic Park.” McSweeney’s Internet Tendency: Daily Humor Almost Every Day Since 1998. McSweeney’s Publishing LLC, 6 May 2020, www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/sure-the-velociraptors-are-still-on-the-loose-but-thats-no-reason-not-toreopen-jurassic-park. Accessed 10 May 2020.
Liz, Jess, and Erin. "The Canterbury Tales: The Knight's Tale." Youtube, uploaded by livjessanderin3862, 20 Dec. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY5xixw4HM. Accessed 10 May 2024.