Chaucer

The poem explores themes of love and loss through an intricate narrative framework, reflecting the societal norms of its time that favored indirectness in poetry. It begins with the poet's personal struggle with sleeplessness, which serves as a poignant entry point into the deeper emotional landscape. The work subtly alludes to the untimely end of John of Gaunt's marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, showcasing Chaucer's growing inclination towards personal expression, despite the elaborate structure that surrounds the central theme.