ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Book of the Duchess in 1369, about one year after the death of Blanche, the young wife of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Book of the Duchess, also known as The Deth of Blaunche, is the earliest of Chaucer’s major poems, preceded only by his short poem, “An ABC", and possibly by his translation of The Romaunt of the Rose.

Detailed explanation-3: -’The Book of the Duchess’, also known as ‘The Dreame of Caucer, ’ is the first major long poem published by Geoffrey Chaucer and was written sometime between 1368 and 1372 to commemorate Duchess Blanche of Lancaster, wife to John Gaunt, a son of King Edward III.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Canterbury Tales, first published c. 1476 CE by William Caxton, became so popular that Chaucer’s earlier work was overshadowed, only receiving critical attention much later and popular notice as late as the 19th century CE. Among these is The Book of the Duchess, composed c.

Detailed explanation-5: -As an elegy, The Book of the Duchess has several cards in its favour. Its central preoccupation, as seen in both Alcione’s and the Black Knight’s experiences, is loss and its ramifications upon the living. Both characters are of the nobility.