Meaning: The quote by George Saintsbury discusses the influence of the Italian prose tale during Chaucer's time and the circumstances that affected its growth. To delve into this quote further, it is essential to understand the historical and literary context of the period.

During the time of Chaucer, the Italian prose tale, particularly the works of authors such as Boccaccio and Giovanni Sercambi, had already started to make an impact on the literary scene. These tales were characterized by their narrative style, which often featured intricate plots, complex characters, and a focus on the human condition. Chaucer himself was influenced by these Italian writers, as evidenced by his adaptation of several Italian stories in his own work, "The Canterbury Tales."

However, as Saintsbury points out, the circumstances and atmosphere of Chaucer's time were not entirely conducive to the full flourishing of the Italian prose tale in English literature. This can be attributed to several factors, including the dominant literary traditions of the era, the social and political climate, and the language barriers that existed between Italian and English literature.

In Chaucer's time, the dominant literary tradition in England was largely rooted in the oral storytelling tradition and the poetic forms of verse and rhyme. The Italian prose tale, with its emphasis on narrative prose, represented a departure from these established literary norms. As a result, its influence faced resistance and challenges in gaining widespread acceptance and integration into English literature.

Furthermore, the social and political atmosphere of the period also played a role in shaping the reception of the Italian prose tale. England was experiencing significant social and political upheaval, including the Hundred Years' War and the tumultuous reign of Richard II. In such a climate of instability and uncertainty, literary pursuits may have taken a backseat to more pressing concerns, limiting the opportunities for the Italian prose tale to take root and flourish.

Language barriers also posed a challenge to the growth of the Italian prose tale in England. The tales were originally written in Italian, and their translation and adaptation into English presented difficulties in capturing the nuances and complexities of the original texts. This linguistic barrier may have hindered the full appreciation and understanding of the Italian prose tale among English readers and writers.

Despite these challenges, the influence of the Italian prose tale continued to permeate English literature, laying the groundwork for future developments in narrative prose. Over time, as literary tastes evolved and cultural exchange between Italy and England increased, the Italian prose tale would eventually find a more receptive environment for its growth and development in English literary tradition.

In conclusion, George Saintsbury's quote sheds light on the early influence of the Italian prose tale during Chaucer's time and the hurdles it faced in establishing itself within the English literary landscape. By examining the historical and literary context of the period, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors that shaped the reception and growth of the Italian prose tale in England. Ultimately, this quote highlights the dynamic and multifaceted nature of literary influence and the ways in which it is shaped by the circumstances and atmosphere of a given era.