Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

Introduction

Similar peoples facing similar problems. The stories used to be defined by both social practicality and sharp satire. Even though he takes great pains to represent his characters in their own words, Chaucer is also out to expose the hypocrisy of the church and the social problems that stemmed from the Middle Ages’ political and social norms.

Summary of the Canterbury Tales

In the spring, people from all walks of life gather at the Tabard Inn before setting off on a pilgrimage to Canterbury to beg favours of the English martyr St. Thomas à Becket. The innkeeper at the Tabard advises telling a story to help pass the time.

Chaucer

Miller disagrees and begins a story about a bumbling carpenter, whereas the Knight began the first story with noble themes of love and knights. As retaliation, Reeve told a crass story about a liar named Miller. After reading The Reeve’s Tale, the Chef, Roger, promises to tell a more authentic story. The Man of Law then begins his account of what happened to Constancy. In response to Parson’s wonderful tale, the Host demands that he tell another. The Parson, however, politely rejects and reprimands the Host for swearing and making fun of him. The next storyteller is the Woman of Bath, who begins by arguing that the only way a monogamous relationship can survive is if one partner is dominant over the other.

The Friar and the Summoner have finished their mutually destructive tale telling. The Squire complies and begins a ghost story. Franklin, though, cuts him off to compliment the Squire on his eloquence and manners. After hearing the Physician’s explanation of a father and daughter’s terrible situation, the Host is stunned and turns to the Pardoner, hoping for a lighter tale.

After the Prioress’s sombre account of a minor martyr, the host comes up to Chaucer and asks for his advice on how to cheer everyone up. When Chaucer begins telling a tale about Sir Topas, the Host cuts him off, saying, “I’m sick of the clanging melodies,” and suggesting that he tell a brief narrative instead in English. In order to pass the time, Chaucer listens to Melibee’s boring story, which he was told by the Nun’s Priest. The Nun’s Priest tells the tale of Chaunticleer, his mistress, the fox, and the rooster from the barnyard. The Second Nun then proceeds to deliver a story suited for her station by relating events from the life of St. Cecilia. The final member of the group, the Parson, relates his story. After writing The Tales, Chaucer revises his earlier account of the sermon delivered by The Parson.

About the Author

Chaucer, Geoffrey, “the discoverer of our language,” was an early and renowned English poet who lived before Shakespeare. They call him the “father of English poetry” and “father of English literature.” The first author to be laid to rest in Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey, he was also the first.

Extra Information

• People are frequently judged by their status in society, and they work hard to become wealthy. 
• People disregard their morals and ideals to advance in their careers.

Conclusion

The Canterbury Tales has enthralled and entertained readers more than any other of Chaucer’s writings, supporting the use of Middle English in informal writing by bringing the characters and their stories to life. The Canterbury Tales would give Chaucer the distinction of being “The Father of English Literature” and immortalize him as the creator of one of the finest works ever written in English.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. What is the goal of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to depict the seven deadly sins?

Ans: The Seven Deadly Sins are used to highlight the pilgrims’ hypocrisy in The Canterbury Tales. Saint Thomas Aquinas enlarged the Seven Deadly Sins in the thirteenth century after initially defining them in the sixth.

2. The Canterbury Tales were composed in what dialect?

Ans: Middle English, an ancestor of Modern English, is used in The Canterbury Tales. Old English, Germanic, and French were the languages that gave rise to Middle English, which was spoken from the Norman Conquest (1066) until the late 1400s. Some terms, like “ferne halwes,” which is typically rendered as “far shrines,” are completely foreign to Modern English.

3. What do the initial character portraits in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales Prologue imply?

Ans: Due to the Knight’s great status, Chaucer begins by describing him and his heir, the Squire. The Knight is referred to as “a prominent man” who has always acted honourably, generously, and with chivalry. He has frequently displayed bravery in conflict and received recognition for his efforts. Although he has numerous reasons to be proud, he never says anything “boorish,” remaining meek and courteous throughout. His attire, which is soiled and battle-worn rather than elegant and elaborate, represents his modest demeanour. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Middle English?

Ans: Middle English is the language spoken in England from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It is a form of Old English that was heavily influenced by French and Latin..

2. What is the Canterbury Tales?

Ans: The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It is a collection of 24 stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

3. How did Chaucer expose the personalities in his works and name the rhetorical technique in the Canterbury Tales?

Ans: By using specific descriptions, revealing comments, and the stories each traveller relates, Chaucer makes his characters transparent. Ten-syllabic is the rhetorical technique used in the Canterbury Tales Prologue.