Canterbury Tales

Definition

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, presented as a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This work is significant because it marks one of the first major uses of vernacular English in literature, making it accessible to a wider audience and reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Canterbury Tales consists of 24 stories that cover a wide range of genres, including romance, tragedy, and humor, showcasing different aspects of medieval society.
2. Chaucer's use of iambic pentameter and rhymed couplets in The Canterbury Tales influenced the development of English poetry and set standards for future writers.
3. The tales feature a diverse cast of characters from various social classes, allowing Chaucer to critique social norms and highlight the complexities of human nature.
4. The work was originally written in Middle English, which marked a significant shift from Latin and French, reflecting the growing importance of English as a literary language.
5. The Canterbury Tales not only serves as an entertaining collection of stories but also provides valuable insights into the customs, beliefs, and values of 14th-century England.

Review Questions

• How did Geoffrey Chaucer's choice to write The Canterbury Tales in vernacular English impact its accessibility and cultural significance?
  • By writing The Canterbury Tales in vernacular English, Chaucer made literature more accessible to a broader audience beyond the educated elite who primarily understood Latin and French. This decision played a crucial role in elevating English as a legitimate literary language during a time when it was often overshadowed. Consequently, this shift not only democratized literature but also contributed to the rise of national identity and cultural pride among English speakers.
• Analyze how The Canterbury Tales reflects the social dynamics and class structure of medieval England through its diverse characters.
  • The Canterbury Tales features a wide array of characters from various social classes, including nobility, clergy, and commoners. Through their stories and interactions during the pilgrimage, Chaucer presents critiques and observations about social norms, values, and relationships among these classes. This diversity allows readers to gain insight into the complexities of medieval society and raises questions about morality, hypocrisy, and the human experience across different strata.
• Evaluate the impact of The Canterbury Tales on later English literature and its role in shaping literary traditions.
  • The Canterbury Tales had a profound impact on later English literature by establishing new narrative techniques such as the frame narrative and exploring themes relevant to human experience. Chaucer's blend of humor, realism, and social commentary influenced subsequent generations of writers who sought to capture the nuances of everyday life in their works. As a cornerstone of vernacular literature, it paved the way for future authors to embrace English as their medium, ultimately contributing to the evolution of storytelling traditions that reflect the voices and experiences of common people.

Related terms

Geoffrey Chaucer:

An English poet and author, considered the Father of English literature, who wrote The Canterbury Tales and helped establish the legitimacy of vernacular literature.

Vernacular Literature: Literature written in the common language of a specific region, rather than in Latin or Greek, which allowed for broader access and cultural exchange.

Frame Narrative: A literary technique that serves as a structure for a story within a story, used in The Canterbury Tales to connect the various tales told by the pilgrims.