The Influence of Statius Upon Chaucer (Classic Reprint) - Tapa blanda

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Excerpt from The Influence of Statius Upon Chaucer

Since the time of Tyrwhitt, it has been well known that Chaucer was acquainted with the Thebaid at first hand; and since then various scholars have pointed out many passages in Chaucer that are due to Statius. But these borrowings were in most cases indicated by Chaucer's references to Stace or to some character who is prominent in the Theban story. This investigation was begun with a view to determining whether there were not still other borrowings to which Chaucer had given no clue. It seemed best, for the sake of completeness, to extend the study to the Achilleis and Silvae. It is true the textual tradition of the latter, as known to us, precludes the possibility of Chaucer's having seen it. However, had a close parallel between Chaucer and the Silvae been detected, it would have been evidence that this work was known in the 14th century.

Two well known forms of the Theban legend in the Middle Ages have also been considered, viz. Boccaccio's Teseide and the Old French anonymous Roman de Thebes. It will thus be seen that my object was to determine the full extent of the influence of Statius upon Chaucer, by indicating not only what is due directly to the Thebaid, but also what comes from it indirectly through these two romantic intermediary forms of the legend.

I do not doubt that some resemblances in thought and phrase have eluded my search, for influence is a subtle thing when the author influenced is a great, original genius, able to improve upon models and sources, or at any rate able to give all material the stamp of his own mint.

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