‘The Canterbury Tales’ is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and a cornerstone of Middle English literature.
The framing narrative of ‘The Canterbury Tales’ revolves around a group of pilgrims who are traveling together on a journey from London to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. To pass the time on their journey, each pilgrim tells a story, with the intention of entertaining the others.
Chaucer’s collection includes a diverse range of stories, representing various genres such as romance, fabliau (comic tales), moral allegory, and religious fable. The characters who tell these tales come from different social classes and occupations, offering a vivid cross-section of medieval English society.
Some of the most famous tales from ‘The Canterbury Tales’ include:
‘The Knight’s Tale’: A romance set in ancient Greece, telling the story of two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who compete for the love of the same woman.
‘The Miller’s Tale’: A bawdy fabliau about a carpenter, his young wife, and a lusty clerk who plots to seduce her.
‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’: A tale of female empowerment, in which the Wife of Bath tells the story of a knight who must answer the question ‘What do women most desire?’ to save his life.
‘The Pardoner’s Tale’: A moral allegory about the dangers of greed and deception, told by a corrupt pardoner who sells indulgences.
‘The Canterbury Tales’ is celebrated for its rich characterization, vivid storytelling, and keen observation of human nature. Chaucer’s use of language and his skillful depiction of medieval life have earned him a lasting place in the canon of English literature, and ‘The Canterbury Tales’ remains a cherished and widely studied work to this day.
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