Allegorical Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Nowhere in Chaucer do we find what can be called a radically allegorical poem.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Allegory of Chaucer, by C.S. Lewis, 1945
Lewis argues that Chaucer’s work lacks a fully allegorical structure, distinguishing it from truly allegorical poetry.
In simple terms: Chaucer isn’t radically allegorical.
Consider the limits of allegory in medieval poetry.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic courses
- literary analysis
- poetry workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you agree with Lewis’s assessment?
- What defines a “radically allegorical” poem?
Some may see allegorical elements despite Lewis’s claim.