News

Although Geoffrey Chaucer’s writings date back over seven centuries, Caroline Peacore ’24 and Phoebe Joy ’24 explored just how relevant the poet remains by presenting their papers that recontextualize his work for today’s college students at Sigma Tau Delta’s annual conference.

Sigma Tau Delta is a national English honor society established in 1924 to confer distinction for high achievement in English language, literature, and writing. The St. Olaf chapter currently has more than 50 members. 

The theme of this year’s Sigma Tau Delta conference was “In Flux,” and both Peacore and Joy examined elements of gender and sexuality within Chaucer’s work.

Peacore’s paper, “‘Raptus’ In Flux: Rethinking Chaucer’s Justice,” examined how the framework of transformative justice can be used to understand “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” from Canterbury Tales through a modern lens. Joy’s work, “Being the Man in the Canterbury Tales,” considered the fragile masculinity of Harry Bailey, the host of Canterbury Tales.

“Applying a modern lens to Chaucer is a really good opportunity to connect old texts to current times,” says Peacore.

While deriving joy from literary analysis is one thing, what especially resonated with Peacore and Joy was getting an opportunity to present their research with a community that shared their passion for literature.

“It was great practice to see what presenting at a conference was like,” says Joy. “It was a chance to dip your toe in and learn about so many more opportunities.”

The experience inspired both Peacore and Joy to continue engaging with literature and literary analysis. “What was so helpful for preparing was knowing you could have your own voice,” says Peacore. “I felt empowered to share the realities of college students and how Chaucer is relevant to my life.”

“What was so helpful for preparing was knowing you could have your own voice. I felt empowered to share the realities of college students and how Chaucer is relevant to my life.”

Caroline Peacore ’24

Peacore and Joy’s successful debut at the conference paves the way for future Oles to share their work and present at future Sigma Tau Delta conferences.

“Don’t be afraid to submit your work,” says Joy. “We’re the first students from St. Olaf to attend this conference, and it was great to have another way to engage in academia.”

Peacore and Joy are both English majors and Sigma Tau Delta members, but being an English major isn’t a requirement to join the honor society. Students who are passionate about English and majoring in other areas often meet the eligibility requirements.