Chronicles

Geoffrey Brereton claims that, despite his pro-aristocratic views, Froissart’s “conscience can be seen as middle class, sentimental and not hierarchal—as, over the next three or four centuries, the whole conscience of Western Europe was to become” (22). What do you believe Brereton means by this? Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

How does Froissart’s Chronicles qualify as literature? Name one specific technique Froissart uses that could be described as literary. What do you believe this technique adds to Froissart’s historical narrative?

How would you define chivalry, using specific examples from Froissart’s Chronicles?

Choose one example of dialogue, a speech, or writing in the Chronicles, such as King Edward III’s letter to King Philip VI (59-60), John Ball’s speech (212-213), or the Duke of Gloucester’s conversation with John Lackinghay (421-423). What does it add to Froissart’s narrative? Why do you think Froissart included the specific dialogue?

How does religion inform Froissart’s writing? How do you think Froissart portrays the Church overall?

How would you describe the ideal king, according to Froissart? What characteristics would such a king have?

Imagine you are a medieval chronicler who was alive during Froissart’s own lifetime. Write about an event or an individual Froissart covers and either fill in details that you think are missing or provide another perspective that challenges Froissart’s views.

Choose an individual or a group that Froissart defends or villainizes. How does Froissart portray them? And how does Froissart present them as good or bad?