Pitee Renneth Soone in Gentil Herte. : Chaucer作品における'Pity'と'Gentilesse'

Abstract

Pity' is one of the most important virtues that Geoffrey Chaucer in his works often refers to as a quality indispensable to a man, especially to a 'gentil man, ' a man of high rank and of ability. The Poet repeatedly uses this particular word, often in relation with the idea of 'gentilesse, ' which is the generic name of various virtues necessary to a man. His favorite phrase : "Pity renneth soone in gentil herte, " which appears four times in all his works, is a good example. He emphasizes a quality 'pity' as a component of 'gentilesse.' The Knight's Tale, The Merchant's Tale, The Franklin's Tale and others show good examples in which this quality plays the important part in order to develop their plots. Why does Chaucer often refer to 'pity' and insist on its necessity ardently? The Parson in The Canterbury Tales gives an answer to this question in his long and edifying preach. 'Pity' is the essence of Christ and His religion.