Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

the 14 th century preoccupation with the genre by challenging its virtues, and, essentially, supplanting
romance with philosophy, in this case, Boethian philosophy. Through Troilus and Criseyde, Chaucer
eloquently calls into question the social ethos of 14 th century England, including nobility, gender
expectations, and class distinctions, employing the classical teachings of Boethius to fully support his
argument.
Conclusion
Through Boethius, primarily the Consolation of Philosophy, these medieval authors were able to reach
their respective audiences in ways that would not have been possible without the practical, classical
philosophies and ideologies of Boethius to use as a vehicle. He provided his readers with the capacity to
cope with the harsh realities of life, such as its transience, through his thoughtful yet accessible teachings.
What is perhaps so astonishing about Boethius is the scope of his influence; as evidenced by the previous
discussion of King Alfred and Chaucer, it is clear that he had a definitive impact on political, literary, and
social movements spanning throughout nearly the entire medieval era. By examining the extent of
Boethius’ influence in this period, it became clear the evolution in the way that each author utilized his
teachings. Alfred’s utilitarian translation of the Consolation not only aided him in his quest for political
stability, it also paved the way for a revolution of educational discipline in ninth- and tenth-century
England. Centuries later, nearing the end of the medieval period, lauded literary figure Geoffrey Chaucer
would employ the very same Boethian concepts, only he would use these concepts in his articulate poetry to
illustrate the flaws of the genre of courtly romance, and subsequently to question the social ethos, including
nobility and gender expectations, of fourteenth-century England.
The evolution in the manner which these authors utilize the philosophies of Boethius ranges from
political appropriation to a benchmark for cultural and literary change. After investigating, through close
reading and comparison, the ways in which King Alfred and Chaucer molded Boethian ideals to their own
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