Geoffrey Chaucer's Parlement of Foules, ostensibly a celebratory poem for the marriage of King Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia, is an intricate exploration of social norms and the power dynamics of love and marriage. While commemorating the royal nuptials, Chaucer subtly critiques the practices among the nobility and reflects on the broader societal ideologies through the allegorical depiction of birds. The poem serves as both a tribute and a social commentary, revealing the complexities hidden beneath its surface.

Historical Context and Royal Nuptials

Chaucer wrote the Parlement of Foules to mark the marriage of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, a union that, while politically motivated, was emblematic of the intricate alliances of the time. The poem's setting during a bird convocation in spring suggests a possible nod to the May 3 betrothal of Richard and Anne, rather than the traditional Valentine's Day of February 14. This date also coincides with the feast of Saint Valentine of Genoa, indicating a deeper layer of meaning, as Chaucer had visited Genoa and could have drawn inspiration from this lesser-known saint.

Chaucer's involvement in diplomatic missions highlights the political backdrop of the poem. In 1376, he was tasked with negotiating a marriage contract between Richard, then just ten, and Marie, the young daughter of King Charles V of France, aiming to end the Hundred Years' War. Despite the eventual demise of potential brides and shifting political landscapes, Richard's marriage to Anne of Bohemia, orchestrated partly by the Vatican, marked a significant alliance between England and Bohemia.

Marriage and Agency

The poem questions the very nature of arranged marriages, especially those involving minors who had little say in their futures. At the time of their marriage, both Richard and Anne were teenagers, likely lacking any autonomy in their union. Chaucer cleverly uses Dame Nature and the character of the formel eagle to advocate for personal agency in marriage decisions, reflecting a progressive view—especially given the social norms of the 14th century.

Through the narrative, Dame Nature's decree that the eagle should have a choice foreshadows Chaucer's subtle critique of the lack of agency allowed to noble children, drawing a parallel to the constraints imposed on young aristocrats by their parents, state, and church. The formel eagle's request for a year's respite further underscores the desire for autonomy, an idea that resonates throughout the poem.

Symbolism of Birds and Social Commentary

Chaucer employs an array of birds as symbolic representations of human social classes and attributes, a device influenced by French literary tradition. The noble eagles, embodying majesty and power, are aligned with the elite class's ideals of love and marriage. The falcon, closely tied to the aristocracy in both symbolism and actual practice, speaks for noble sentiments, suggesting that the most worthy, noble, and esteemed should be the chosen mate.

However, Chaucer introduces a spectrum of avian voices that challenge these aristocratic views. The turtledove, symbolizing fidelity, suggests lifelong devotion, only to be contradicted by the duck, which questions the practicality of such idealism. Here, Chaucer may be aligning the duck with either lower social standing or, intriguingly, the mandarin duck's reputed fidelity. This ambiguity serves to question rigid social structures.

Challenging Courtly Love

Chaucer's portrayal of the goose and waterfowl further disrupts the courtly love narrative. The goose, representing the merchant class or lower societal tiers, boldly counters the notion that women should resist suitors, instead advocating for mutual affection. The sparrowhawk's dismissal of the goose's reasoning as "a parfit resoun of a goose" highlights the entrenched elitism and disdain for practical wisdom among the nobility.

Through these...