Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

Definition

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. The work is framed as a storytelling contest among a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, showcasing various social classes and perspectives. This rich tapestry of narratives reflects the evolving use of the English language and literature during a time when the introduction of printing was beginning to impact accessibility and standardization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works to be written in Middle English, showcasing its literary potential at a time when Latin and French dominated written texts.
2. Chaucer employs a variety of narrative styles and genres in The Canterbury Tales, including romance, fabliau, and allegory, which reflects the rich tapestry of medieval society.
3. The work consists of 24 stories told by a group of 30 pilgrims, each representing different social classes and professions, offering a glimpse into medieval life and values.
4. The introduction of the printing press in the 15th century played a crucial role in popularizing The Canterbury Tales, making it accessible to a wider audience and solidifying Chaucer's influence on English literature.
5. Chaucer's use of vernacular language in The Canterbury Tales helped pave the way for future authors to write in English, ultimately contributing to the language's evolution into Modern English.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's choice to write The Canterbury Tales in Middle English reflect the cultural and linguistic shifts occurring in England at the time?
  • By writing The Canterbury Tales in Middle English, Chaucer reflected the growing importance and acceptance of vernacular languages over Latin and French in literary contexts. This choice made literature more accessible to the common people, facilitating greater participation in storytelling and culture. It also signaled a shift towards national identity, as English began to emerge as a legitimate medium for serious literary expression.
• Discuss how the themes presented in The Canterbury Tales illustrate the complexities of medieval society.
  • The themes in The Canterbury Tales reveal a multifaceted view of medieval society, addressing issues like class disparity, morality, and human nature through the diverse backgrounds of the pilgrims. Each character embodies various societal roles, from the noble Knight to the bawdy Wife of Bath, presenting unique perspectives on their experiences and values. This narrative richness not only entertains but also critiques contemporary social norms and behaviors, highlighting both virtues and vices within medieval life.
• Evaluate the significance of The Canterbury Tales within the context of the impact of printing on literature during its time.
  • The Canterbury Tales holds great significance as it became one of the first major works printed following the invention of the printing press. This allowed for mass production and distribution, leading to an increased readership that transcended geographical boundaries. As a result, Chaucer's work not only solidified his reputation but also contributed to the standardization of English language and literature. The accessibility provided by printing transformed literary consumption, fostering an environment where readers could engage with texts that reflected their own societal realities.

Related terms

Geoffrey Chaucer: An influential English poet known as the Father of English literature, who wrote The Canterbury Tales and is credited with helping to establish English as a literary language.

Middle English: The form of the English language spoken and written in England from about 1150 to 1500, characterized by a mix of Anglo-Saxon and Norman French elements.

Printing Press: An invention that revolutionized the production of books and texts, allowing for wider dissemination of literature and increasing literacy rates during the late Middle Ages.