The Whitworthian

Issue date: 10/9/07

Media Credit: Taylor Zajicek

Professor of English Michael Hanly of Washington State University gave a lecture on the subject of “Chaucer and Sex” Tuesday evening in the conference rooms of the Hixson Union Building.

“It is important for students to see that literature in general, and medieval literature especially, is not boring; that it’s not dry as dust and that it’s meaningful today,” Hanly said.

Hanly gave Professor of English Doug Sugano a list of possible lecture topics. Sugano chose the topic “Chaucer and Sex,” saying he thought it would be livelier, Hanly said.

The lecture was an overview of the "Knight's Tale" and the "Miller's Tale" of "The Canterbury Tales," focusing on the themes of sex and revenge.

Chaucer was the 14th century poet who authored "The Canterbury Tales."

The "Knight's Tale" was requited by the "Miller's Tale," as the latter mocked the themes of courtly love and chivalry, Hanly said.

Hanly delved deeper into the two stories throughout the lecture, especially focusing on the "Miller's Tale."

He also emphasized how Chaucer used poetry as a medium to portray his political views.

"Chaucer avoided direct personal and political commentary, translating his factional experience instead into the literary realm," Hanly said.

Hanly said he first became interested with medieval art and architecture, before its literature.

“I fell in love with [medieval literature] but it all started with the visuals first,” Hanly said.

Before he began teaching at WSU in 1991, Hanly taught at Chapman University and five different schools in Switzerland.

Hanly is also fluent in French, German, and Italian and has knowledge of Latin, French, Middle English and Old English.

Hanly said he is currently researching and teaching about interfaith relationships in the 14th century.

Contact Christina Chea at christina.chea@whitworthian.com

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