The Canterbury Tales

Definition

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, framed within a narrative of a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This work not only reflects the social and cultural fabric of medieval England but also showcases the evolution of the Middle English language and its literary traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Canterbury Tales consists of 24 stories told by a diverse group of characters, including knights, merchants, and peasants, each representing different aspects of society.
2. Chaucer's use of vernacular English in The Canterbury Tales helped popularize Middle English and made literature more accessible to a wider audience.
3. The tales explore various themes, such as love, morality, and social criticism, often using humor and satire to address contemporary issues.
4. The unfinished nature of The Canterbury Tales suggests that Chaucer intended to include even more tales, reflecting the complexity of medieval society.
5. Chaucer's influence on literature is profound, as he is often referred to as the 'father of English literature' for his role in establishing English as a legitimate language for literary expression.

Review Questions

• How does The Canterbury Tales reflect the social structure and cultural norms of medieval England?
  • The Canterbury Tales provides a vivid snapshot of medieval England's social hierarchy through its diverse characters, each representing different classes and professions. The pilgrims range from nobility to common folk, showcasing various perspectives and lifestyles. This variety allows Chaucer to comment on societal issues like class division, morality, and the role of women, making the work a critical reflection of the cultural norms of his time.
• Discuss how Chaucer's life experiences influenced the themes and characters found in The Canterbury Tales.
  • Chaucer's background as a courtier, diplomat, and public servant provided him with a unique perspective on different social classes and professions. His interactions with various segments of society are reflected in the vivid characterizations within The Canterbury Tales. Themes such as social critique and human behavior stem from Chaucer’s own observations and experiences, allowing him to weave realism into his storytelling while also addressing contemporary issues faced by his audience.
• Evaluate the impact of The Canterbury Tales on the development of Middle English literature and its transition towards Early Modern English.
  • The Canterbury Tales had a significant impact on Middle English literature by elevating the use of vernacular English and setting a precedent for future literary works. Chaucer’s blending of various genres and styles demonstrated the richness of English literature at that time. As readers began to engage with literature in their own language rather than Latin or French, it paved the way for the evolution into Early Modern English. This shift not only broadened literary accessibility but also influenced countless writers who followed in Chaucer's footsteps.

Related terms

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

Frame Narrative: A literary technique where a main story encompasses one or more smaller stories, as seen in The Canterbury Tales where the pilgrimage serves as the overarching story.

Chivalric Romance: A genre that focuses on the adventures of knights and their quests, which influences some tales within Chaucer's work, highlighting themes of love and honor.