The Canterbury Tales

Definition

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, presented as a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This work not only highlights various social classes and characters of the time but also reflects the historical, linguistic, and literary developments of medieval England.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Canterbury Tales was written during a time when the English language was evolving from Old English to Middle English, making it one of the first major works in Middle English.
2. Chaucer's characters represent various segments of medieval society, including nobles, clergy, and commoners, each sharing their own unique perspective and story.
3. The tales cover a wide range of themes, including love, morality, corruption, and social class, showcasing Chaucer's keen insight into human nature.
4. Chaucer used humor and satire to critique societal norms and behaviors of his time, often revealing the hypocrisy within different social classes.
5. The Canterbury Tales was left unfinished at the time of Chaucer's death, but it remains one of his most influential works and a cornerstone of English literature.

Review Questions

• How does The Canterbury Tales reflect the social structure and diversity of medieval England?
  • The Canterbury Tales showcases a wide array of characters from different social classes, including knights, priests, merchants, and peasants. Through their tales, Chaucer illustrates the complexities and nuances of medieval society, highlighting not just their differences but also common human experiences. This diversity allows readers to gain insight into the social dynamics and values that shaped life in medieval England.
• Discuss how Chaucer's use of the frame narrative in The Canterbury Tales enhances the overall storytelling experience.
  • Chaucer's implementation of the frame narrative allows for multiple perspectives and voices within The Canterbury Tales. Each character's story is influenced by their personal background and social standing, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that complement one another. This structure not only engages readers but also emphasizes the theme of storytelling itself as a reflection of human experience across different contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of The Canterbury Tales on the development of English literature and its significance in understanding medieval culture.
  • The Canterbury Tales significantly influenced the trajectory of English literature by being one of the first major works composed in Middle English, elevating the language's status. Chaucer’s keen observations on society provided valuable insights into medieval culture and social issues. Furthermore, his blend of humor, realism, and characterization set a precedent for future writers, making The Canterbury Tales a critical reference point for understanding both literary evolution and historical context in Europe.

Related terms

Chaucer:

Geoffrey Chaucer was a poet and author known as the Father of English literature, whose works laid the foundation for English poetry, particularly through The Canterbury Tales.

Frame Narrative: A literary technique in which a main story serves as a framework for one or more smaller stories, as seen in The Canterbury Tales where each character tells their own tale.

Pilgrimage: A journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion, which serves as the backdrop for the storytelling in The Canterbury Tales.