Sources and Analogues: the “Invocacio ad Mariam” in Chaucer’s "The Second Nun's Prologue"

Abstract

Verses 36-74 of the Invocatio ad Mariam, in the Second Nun’s Prologue of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, strongly reference other literary sources. This paper examines the most important textual parallels, particularly the Paradiso written by Dante. A further focus is also the reference to the Latin hymns, although the influence of the Commedia can overshadow their role.

Keywords

• Chaucer
• Middle Age