Canterbury Tales

Definition

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, framed as a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. This work is significant for its vivid portrayal of medieval society and its use of various poetic techniques, showcasing Chaucer's mastery of the English language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's use of diverse characters in The Canterbury Tales represents different social classes, professions, and perspectives, creating a microcosm of 14th-century England.
2. The tales are written in Middle English, showcasing Chaucer's innovative approach to language during a time when Latin and French were dominant in literature.
3. Chaucer employed a mix of humor, satire, and moral lessons in his tales, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
4. The General Prologue sets the stage for the storytelling contest by introducing each pilgrim and providing insight into their personalities and backgrounds.
5. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in English literature that explored the complexities of human nature through relatable characters and their stories.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's use of a frame narrative in The Canterbury Tales enhance the storytelling experience?
  • Chaucer's use of a frame narrative allows him to introduce a variety of characters who each share their own unique tales, creating a rich tapestry of stories. This structure not only engages readers but also reflects the diversity of medieval society, as the pilgrims come from different social backgrounds and professions. The frame serves as a unifying element that connects these individual stories while allowing for different themes and styles to emerge.
• In what ways does Chaucer's language and poetic technique contribute to the themes presented in The Canterbury Tales?
  • Chaucer's language is characterized by its use of Middle English and his clever employment of iambic pentameter, which adds rhythm and musicality to the text. His mastery of dialogue and character development helps to convey complex themes such as social class, morality, and human behavior. Through humor and satire, Chaucer effectively critiques societal norms while making the tales accessible and engaging for his audience.
• Evaluate the significance of The Canterbury Tales in the context of medieval literature and its impact on future literary traditions.
  • The Canterbury Tales is considered a landmark work in medieval literature due to its innovative approach to storytelling and character development. By using everyday language rather than Latin or French, Chaucer made literature more accessible to the general public. Its exploration of diverse human experiences laid the groundwork for future literary traditions, influencing writers such as Shakespeare and contributing to the evolution of English literature as a whole. The tales remain relevant today as they continue to resonate with contemporary themes and human emotions.

Related terms

Frame Narrative: A literary technique that provides a context for the stories being told, creating a structure within which various tales are presented.

iambic pentameter:

A metrical pattern consisting of five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, commonly used in Chaucer's poetry.

Social Commentary: The use of storytelling to critique and reflect upon societal norms, values, and issues prevalent during Chaucer's time.