Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

Definition

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, framing a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This work is significant as it showcases the use of code-switching, with characters expressing themselves in different dialects and styles, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer is often referred to as the 'Father of English literature' due to his influential role in developing the English vernacular through his writings.
2. The Canterbury Tales features a diverse range of characters, including a knight, a miller, a prioress, and a cook, each representing different social classes and perspectives.
3. The tales are written in rhymed couplets, showcasing Chaucer's mastery of poetic form and his ability to blend humor, satire, and social commentary.
4. Chaucer's use of code-switching allows characters to express their identities and backgrounds, highlighting the multilingual nature of medieval England.
5. The work is incomplete, with only 24 tales written, and it is believed that Chaucer intended for each pilgrim to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two on the return trip.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's use of different dialects in the Canterbury Tales reflect the social dynamics of medieval England?
  • Chaucer's incorporation of various dialects in the Canterbury Tales mirrors the social hierarchies and regional differences present in medieval England. Each character's speech reflects their social status and background, contributing to the overall richness of the narrative. This use of dialect not only adds authenticity to the characters but also serves as an early example of code-switching, demonstrating how language can signify identity and group affiliation.
• Discuss how Chaucer employs the frame narrative structure in Canterbury Tales to enhance the storytelling experience.
  • Chaucer uses frame narrative in Canterbury Tales by presenting a group of pilgrims who share their stories during their journey to Canterbury. This structure allows for a diverse array of tales that range from comedic to moralistic. By framing individual stories within the broader context of the pilgrimage, Chaucer creates a dynamic interplay between character perspectives and societal commentary. This technique also emphasizes themes such as pilgrimage and community while highlighting contrasting viewpoints among different social classes.
• Evaluate the significance of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in terms of its impact on English literature and language development.
  • The significance of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales lies in its pioneering role in establishing English as a legitimate literary language during a time when Latin and French were dominant. By writing in Middle English and showcasing a variety of dialects, Chaucer contributed to the evolution of English literature and helped shape its future trajectory. The work's intricate characterizations and themes continue to resonate with readers today, influencing countless writers and serving as a foundational text that illustrates both linguistic diversity and cultural context in medieval England.

Related terms

Middle English:

The form of English spoken from the 11th to the 15th century, which evolved from Old English and included influences from Norman French.

Frame Narrative: A literary technique that uses a story within a story, where the main narrative serves as a framework for the individual tales told by characters.

Dialect: A particular form of a language that is specific to a region or social group, often characterized by distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.