Chaucer's England

Definition

Chaucer's England refers to the period in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote his works, most notably The Canterbury Tales. This time was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes, including the rise of the merchant class and the beginnings of the English Renaissance. Chaucer's England provides the backdrop for exploring the diverse characters and themes present in his tales, reflecting the complexities of medieval society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer was born around 1343 and lived through significant historical events, including The Black Death, which had a profound impact on society and economics.
2. His works were written in Middle English, which was emerging as a literary language during this time, moving away from the dominance of Latin and French.
3. Chaucer’s England was characterized by a burgeoning middle class due to increased trade and commerce, altering social dynamics and contributing to the themes in The Canterbury Tales.
4. The Catholic Church played a dominant role in daily life, influencing education, politics, and moral standards, which Chaucer often critiqued through his characters.
5. The framework of The Canterbury Tales, with its pilgrimage structure, reflects the common practice of pilgrimage during Chaucer's time, symbolizing both religious devotion and social interaction.

Review Questions

• How did the social changes in Chaucer's England influence the characters in The Canterbury Tales?
  • The social changes in Chaucer's England, particularly the rise of the middle class due to commerce and trade, led to a wider variety of characters in The Canterbury Tales. Instead of just nobility or clergy being represented, Chaucer included merchants, tradespeople, and commoners. This diversity allowed him to explore different perspectives on societal norms and values through humor and satire in their tales.
• In what ways did The Black Death shape the themes presented in The Canterbury Tales?
  • The Black Death had a major impact on themes in The Canterbury Tales by altering societal structures and creating a sense of urgency about life and morality. The massive loss of life caused individuals to reflect on their existence and relationships with others. This context led Chaucer to weave themes of mortality, social commentary, and human nature throughout his narratives, highlighting how these experiences affected people from various walks of life.
• Evaluate how the political climate of Chaucer's England is reflected in the narratives within The Canterbury Tales.
  • The political climate during Chaucer's England was characterized by tensions between different classes and institutions, including rising criticism of the Church and nobility. This is reflected in The Canterbury Tales through characters like the Pardoner and the Friar, who embody corrupt practices within religious institutions. Chaucer uses these narratives to comment on the moral decay he perceived in society while also capturing the broader struggles for power among various social classes during this transitional period.

Related terms

Feudal System: A hierarchical social structure that dominated medieval Europe, where land was held by nobles in exchange for service to the king, creating a system of obligations among different classes.

The Black Death:

A devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, significantly reducing the population and leading to social and economic upheaval.

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing ideals such as bravery, honor, and respect for women.