Canterbury Tales Prologue: Vocabulary Words 1. solicitous- showing care or concern 2. garnered- decorated; trimmed 3. absolution- act of sin or criminal charge 4. commission- authorization; act of giving authority to an individual 5. sanguine- confident; cheerful 6. prevarication- evasion of truth

Literary Analysis 2 types of characterization 1. Direct characterization- presents direct statements about a character 2. Indirect characterization- uses actions, thoughts, dialogue, and description to reveal a character’s personality. Social commentary- writing that offers insight into society, its values and its customs. Chaucer provides social commentary about English society in Canterbury Tales

Literary Analysis Each of major forms of medieval literature represented 1. romances ( tales of chivalry) 2. fabliaux (short, bawdy, humorous stories) 3. allegories ( narratives in which characters represent abstractions such as Pride or Honor) Also: stories of saints’ lives and sermons Heroic couplet- Chaucer’s form- pair of rhyming lines with five stressed syllables each Big reason why Chaucer known as father of English poetry

Geoffrey Chaucer’s background Very much experience with medieval world Son of a merchant, soldier, diplomat, royal clerk and page in a royal house Born into middle class family about 1343 Served- English Army in France- 1359- captured + held prisoner King Edward paid a lot for his release Married Philippa Pan- lady-in-waiting to queen Eldest child- Thomas- married noblewoman + acquired great wealth

History of Chaucer’s Writing Began writing in his 20s Practiced skills as he rose through ranks of medieval society Early poems based on works of European poets 1st major work- The Book of the Duchess- 1369 developed mature style of his own + displayed insight into human character Canterbury Tales- later years Inspiration came from participation in his pilgrimage to Canterbury

Clothing Important in Medieval Times 14th century- rules based on money No1 below rank of knight could wear fur Merchants could wear same knights only if 5 times wealthier Women forbidden from wearing silk head coverings Clothes said a lot about who you, where you fit, and what you aspire to be

The Father of English Poetry Considered greatest English poet Shrewd storyteller Generations of poets writing in English have studied his work for inspiration + learning

Summary of Prologue Narrator- probably Chaucer Meets 29 other Pilgrims strat Tabard Inn- London suburb Harry Bailey- host of Inn- presents challenge: Each pilgrim tell 2 stories on way to and from Canterbury Person who tells best story treated to feast held by other pilgrims Chaucer describes each pilgrim