hi, i have to write an essay on the following question:

'As the narrator ushers the knight through his long reminiscence of his lost love, the word and fact of sorrow disappear... being largely replaced, as a repetitive motif, by a benign and shared response to what was "swete"' (Knight 1986: 13). Is consolation ever possible? Discuss grief and loss in The Book of the Duchess by Chaucer and in Sir Orfeo.

I don't have a clue where to start, can anyone help? Are there any websites that can help? Thanx!

What I'd do is read the books with the question in mind and note down everything you think is related to the subject. And see if you can answer the question "is consolation ever possible according to Chaucer's works?".

Then go and find secondary literature on the subject and see what they say. Especially try to find things you do NOT agree with, and then see if you can find proof or good argumentation of your opinion. When you are deep into the subject, make a list of things you want to say, and how you can best organise them. Then just start writing and reorganise again after you have some material.

some links:
[www.luminarium.org]
[www.nd.edu]
[www.lib.rochester.edu]
[encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com]

don't forget to make a printout of the online things you used, and attach it to your composition, adding the day you printed it.

good luck!

There is some info. here:

[www.nd.edu]


Les