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A conduct book for Richard II.(Geoffrey Chaucer's poem 'The Parliament of Fowls')

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From: Philological Quarterly
Date: 19940622
Author:Hill, Ordelle G.; Stillwell, Gardiner

Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Parliament of Fowls' was written primarily as a tale of gentle moral instruction for King Richard II at roughly age 13. Chaucer's mention of Allain and the 'Pleynt of Kynde' in a critical passage both indicates the intended reception of his own work and hints to a precocious young reader such as Richard's further study in the 'Pleynt,' which deals severely with sexual practices. Chaucer's poem was a witty and graceful piece of advice that sadly never helped Richard to find happiness in love.

So Chaucer identifies, in one of his more explicit source references, the ...

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