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 innovative use of various literary genres and vernacular English, which helped establish English as a literary language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Canterbury Tales includes 24 stories, featuring a diverse cast of characters from different social backgrounds, reflecting the complexity of 14th-century English society.
2. Chaucer's use of the vernacular allowed him to reach a wider audience, making literature more accessible to the common people at the time.
3. Each tale presents its own unique perspective on themes such as love, morality, and social class, showcasing Chaucer's keen observation of human nature.
4. The work is often considered one of the greatest achievements in English literature and played a pivotal role in shaping narrative poetry and storytelling.
5. Chaucer himself appears as a character in the tales, providing a meta-literary commentary on the nature of storytelling and the pilgrimage itself.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's use of a frame narrative in The Canterbury Tales enhance the storytelling experience?
  • Chaucer's frame narrative allows for a variety of voices and perspectives, as each pilgrim tells their own story while contributing to the larger context of their journey to Canterbury. This structure not only showcases different themes and genres but also highlights the social dynamics and interactions among the characters. By presenting diverse tales through the lens of a communal pilgrimage, Chaucer deepens our understanding of medieval society and human nature.
• Analyze how Chaucer’s choice of characters in The Canterbury Tales reflects the social hierarchy of 14th-century England.
  • Chaucer's characters range from nobles to commoners, including a knight, a prioress, a miller, and a cook, representing various facets of medieval society. Each character's tale offers insights into their social status and personal values, often critiquing or satirizing societal norms. This diversity not only enriches the narrative but also allows readers to explore issues of class, morality, and hypocrisy prevalent in Chaucer's time.
• Evaluate the impact of The Canterbury Tales on the development of English literature and its role in establishing English as a literary language.
  • The Canterbury Tales had a profound impact on English literature by showcasing the potential of vernacular English for serious artistic expression. Chaucer's decision to write in English rather than Latin or French made his work accessible to a broader audience and set a precedent for future writers. This shift played a crucial role in elevating English as a legitimate literary language during a time when it was often overshadowed by classical languages, ultimately paving the way for the rich tradition of English literature that followed.

Related terms

Frame Narrative: A storytelling technique where a main narrative sets the stage for other stories, allowing for multiple perspectives and themes.

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

Characterization: The process of creating and developing characters in literature, used by Chaucer to represent various social classes and types within The Canterbury Tales.