EXPLANATION WITH REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT: THE PROLOGUE BY CHAUCER

EXPLANATION WITH RTC: THE PROLOGUE BY CHAUCER

Explain the following lines with reference to the context.
(b) And theron heng a brooch al with grene,
On which ther was first write a crowned A,
And after Amor Vincit Omnia.
REFERENCE
(i) Poem: The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
(ii) Poet: Geoffrey Chaucer
CONTEXT
(i) Occurrence: The Prioress (Lines 160-162/858)
(ii) Context:  As Above
EXPLANATION
     In these lines the poet has portrayed the Prioress's gold brooch and its motto. A brooch is a decorative jewelry item designed to be attached to garments by a pin or clasp, often to hold them closed. It is worn at or near the neck. The brooch, the Prioress is wearing, is dominated by the letter "A" which stands for Amor i.e. love. Some critics also assume the the brooch is in the shape of the letter "A". However, the most striking quality of the brooch is the Latin inscription on it: "Amor vincit omnia" which means "Love conquers all." This quote is from "Eclogue X" by Virgil. This Virgilian motto is very ambiguous. If it refers to celestial, heavenly love, then the brooch is an acceptable article to be found on the person of a nun. But it represents earthly love between a man and a woman which is absent in nuns. In short, the brooch is a symbol of the Prioress's unchristian character, her connection to laymen and the peasantry, rather than to any religious vocation.

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