The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Introduction

"The Canterbury Tales" is a classic of English literature, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. It's a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket.

Main Characters

• The Knight: A noble and chivalrous figure, representing the ideal of medieval knighthood.
• The Miller: A brawny, boisterous character known for his ribald humor.
• The Prioress: A nun who tries to appear courtly and refined.
• The Merchant: A shrewd and wealthy man.
• The Clerk: A poor student of philosophy, quiet and thoughtful.
• The Wife of Bath: A confident and experienced woman, known for her five marriages.
• Other Pilgrims: Including a monk, a plowman, a reeve, and more.

Key Themes

1. Social Satire: Chaucer uses the tales to critique the social hierarchy and hypocrisy of his time.
2. Courtly Love and Romance: Many tales explore the ideals and complexities of love in the medieval era.
3. Morality and Virtue: Several stories delve into moral lessons and the nature of virtue.
4. Religious Critique: Chaucer subtly criticizes the corruption within the Church.
5. Folklore and Mythology: Elements of traditional stories and legends are woven into the tales.

Notable Tales

• The Knight's Tale: A story of chivalry and rivalry between