The Canterbury Tales

Definition

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, featuring a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. It reflects the social, political, and cultural landscape of medieval England, showcasing a variety of characters from different social classes and their tales that reveal both personal and societal themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer began writing The Canterbury Tales in the 1380s, and it is considered one of the first major works in English literature.
2. The tales are told by a diverse group of characters, including a knight, a miller, a prioress, and a cook, representing various social classes and professions.
3. Chaucer's use of Middle English in The Canterbury Tales helped to elevate the status of the English language during a time when Latin and French were dominant in literature.
4. The work is notable for its blend of humor, realism, and moral lessons, often highlighting the complexities of human nature and social dynamics.
5. The unfinished state of The Canterbury Tales leaves readers with an incomplete picture of Chaucer's intended message and themes, making it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate.

Review Questions

• How does The Canterbury Tales reflect the social hierarchy and class dynamics of medieval England?
  • The Canterbury Tales provides a vivid portrayal of medieval society through its diverse characters from various social classes. Each pilgrim's story reveals unique perspectives on life, morality, and social issues. For instance, the Knight embodies chivalric values while the Wife of Bath challenges contemporary views on marriage and gender roles. This range of voices allows Chaucer to critique social norms and highlight class disparities.
• Analyze how Chaucer's use of humor in The Canterbury Tales serves as a critique of societal norms.
  • Chaucer employs humor throughout The Canterbury Tales to expose the absurdities of various social classes and institutions. For example, the Pardoner's tale satirizes greed and hypocrisy within the church. This humor not only entertains but also encourages readers to reflect critically on moral values and societal expectations. By using satire as a tool, Chaucer invites a deeper examination of character motivations and flaws.
• Evaluate the significance of The Canterbury Tales in the context of Chaucer's literary innovations and its impact on the English language.
  • The Canterbury Tales holds significant importance as it showcases Chaucer's innovations in narrative technique and character development. By utilizing a frame narrative structure, Chaucer interweaves multiple tales that reflect various aspects of life. Additionally, his choice to write in Middle English helped establish English as a legitimate literary language at a time when French and Latin were more common. This shift not only influenced contemporary literature but also laid the groundwork for future writers, solidifying Chaucer's legacy in the evolution of English literature.

Related terms

Frame Narrative: A literary structure that serves as a story within a story, where an overarching narrative provides context for the individual tales.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors.

Chivalric Romance: A narrative genre focused on the adventures and ideals of knights, often involving themes of love, honor, and bravery.