The Parliament of Fowls

The parliament of Fowls

"The Parliament of Fowls" is another poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, written around 1380. Here's a summary of the poem:

The poem begins with the narrator describing how he falls asleep reading a book. In his dream, he finds himself in a beautiful garden on a sunny morning. As he walks, he encounters a temple made of branches and leaves, with various birds gathered around.

The birds are preparing for a parliament, where they will choose their mates for the upcoming mating season. The narrator listens as the birds discuss their choices and courtship rituals.

Three noble eagles, representing the concepts of power and authority, express interest in the same female bird, the female eagle. They argue about who should have the right to mate with her based on their status.

Meanwhile, other birds, including the smaller and less powerful ones, also discuss their choices. They all await the decision of the female eagle, who will ultimately choose her mate.

In the end, the female eagle decides to delay her choice for a year, leaving all the male birds disappointed. The poem concludes with the narrator awakening from his dream, pondering the nature of love and the complexities of relationships.

"The Parliament of Fowls" is often interpreted as an allegory for courtly love, with the birds representing different aspects of love and desire. It also explores themes of power, authority, and the challenges of making choices in matters of the heart.