"If we took Chaucer's writings at face value, we'd have to conclude he was a complete drip"

John Hutton's quote suggests that if we take Chaucer's works actually, we would concern the conclusion that he was a dull and boring individual. However, Hutton suggests that this is not the case. He is recommending that Chaucer's works are more than simply an actual representation of himself, and that there is more to them than meets the eye. Hutton is indicating that Chaucer's writings have lots of wit and humour, which if we look beyond the surface, we can value the depth of his work. He is recommending that Chaucer was a far more intricate and intriguing person than his works may recommend. Hutton's quote is a reminder that we should not take whatever at face value, and that there is frequently more to a person or a piece of writing than what is at first presented.