Subject to change so very radically at any given moment:
“Anti-Semitism’s Nature in Chaucer’s The Prioress Tale”
I. Thesis—topic sentence, something like “That Chaucer’s ‘The Prioress Tale’ is anti-Semitic is not contested. To what extent, however, the anti-Semitic sentiments can be attributed to Chaucer himself or merely reflected in the character of the Prioress herself, however, is. Here I posit that although a conclusive answer cannot be found, the evidence supports a reading exonerating Chaucer from issuing such sentiments solely of his own accord.”
II. Define “blood libels”
III. Jewish rise to power
IV. Jewish persecution (their expulsion)
a. Expelled from England in 1290
b. Etc.
V. Jewish vs. Christian religion (cite from the Bible) (Huh?)
VI. Chaucer (1343?-1400)
VII. The Prioress herself
a. Description/overview of her position over the convent
b. How she matches or fails to match that description, and more importantly, how this might let Chaucer himself “off the hook.”
VIII. Story itself analyzed at great length
a. The Prioress’ Prologue analysis:
i. Page 216, “Help me to tell it in thy reverence.” (20).
ii. Etc.
b. The Prioress’ Tale itself
i. Define “usury”
ii. Etc.
IX. Conclusion (restate thesis sentence)