Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales   Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer’s Life Born around 1345 in Ipswich, England Family was well-off, owning land in one of the wealthiest parts of medieval London. Was a young page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster. Served in the king’s army and was captured by the French troops during his service Married Phillipa Roet, lady in waiting to the Queen, in 1366. Made squire in Edward’s court- 1367 In 1370, Chaucer served his second stint with the king’s army in France.

What is a Pilgrimage? A very long journey, usually to a shrine. A search for great moral significance Often religious. Southwark (London) to Canterbury is roughly 60 miles.

The Canterbury Tales Takes place during a pilgrimage from the Tabard Inn in Southwark to Canterbury Cathedral. 26 pilgrims are identified in the prologue. Left incomplete and in 10 fragments. 1st book purposefully written in English. Introduces the middle class.

From the Tabard to Canterbury The Tabard Inn Canterbury Cathedral

The Destination Canterbury Cathedral

History of the Tales Geoffrey Chaucer began writing the tales around 1387 AD Uncompleted manuscript of The Canterbury Tales published 1400AD, the year he died First book of poetry purposely written in the English language Set a precedent and poets from Shakespeare to Dryden and Keats to Eliot owe him a debt of gratitude

Ellesmere Manuscript

The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales Literary Focus: Frame Story These tales are told through a “frame” structure. Frame structure is a literary device in which a story or stories are told within another story. A series of stories told by individuals representing a cross-section of medieval English society who undergo a Christian pilgrimage from London to Canterbury. Told as a game to make the journey less tiresome and grueling, and to see who tells the best tale. Many different storytellers—some rough, vain, or materialistic; others wise, pious, or noble. Therefore, many different tales...intended to have 120!!!

Artistry of Form Each pilgrim was to tell two stories on the way and two coming back Despite being unfinished, (44 tales) there is a clear indication of a plan Chaucer was writing and collecting whatever occurred to him, but it was likely to find a more firmly constructed structure as it neared completion.

Rise of the Middle Class & Medieval Guilds An association of craftsmen from a particular trade. Had to obtain grants from a monarch or other authority to control the flow of trade. Types of guilds: Merchant Guilds- local, long-distance, whole-sale, or retail Craft Guilds- weavers, dyers, blacksmiths, painters, leatherworkers, butchers etc. Previous social groups: Kings, lords, clergy, peasants Middle class emerges during the 12th century. Burghers formed guilds to control trade and manufacturing. Obtained town charters and reduce feudal obligations.

Merits of Meaning Creates a microcosm (miniature copy) of medieval English life. This is called social commentary = written or oral message that expresses a position on a social issue.) Aristocracy – lineage and tradition Upper Class – acquired wealth Middle Class – trade mastery Virtuous Lower Class – poor but moral Degraded Lower Class – no morals

Mastery of Character Part of his mastery rests with creating characters who take turns telling tales Chaucer shows us (reader) the virtues and faults of each character They have depth and the appearance of being true Characters are created through: Physical descriptions (some quite graphic) Characters interacting with each other The tales themselves reflecting character (often specifically their personalities and motivations)

The Pilgrims of the Prologue The Knight The Miller The Reeve The Cook The Man of Law The Wife of Bath The Friar The Summoner The Clerk The Merchant The Squire The Franklin The Physician The Pardoner The Shipman The Prioress The Monk The Nun’s Priest The Canon’s Yeoman The Manciple The Parson

The Pilgrims of Canterbury

The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales Literary Focus: Characterization Chaucer also uses direct characterization, when he comes right out and tells us what a character’s nature is—virtuous, vain, clever, and so on. There was a Friar, a wanton one and merry, A Limiter, a very festive fellow. In all Four Orders there was none so mellow, So glib with gallant phrase and well-turned speech.

The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales Literary Focus: Characterization Chaucer uses indirect characterization when he tells how each character looks and dresses This yeoman wore a coat and hood of green, And peacock-feathered arrows, bright and keen speaks and acts Her greatest oath was only “By St. Loy!” thinks and feels And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach.

Literary Characteristics of The Canterbury Tales SATIRE When an author ridicules and exposes the faults of his or her subject Used in order to provoke change The Canterbury Tales is a very important satire, pointing out the need for change in Medieval beliefs and practices Two tools Chaucer uses to create satire are 1. verbal irony 2. physiognomy

Literary Characteristics of The Canterbury Tales VERBAL IRONY PHYSIOGNOMY Is when there is a meaningful contrast between what is said and what is actually meant Example: Saying, “The best monk,” when really the monk does not really adhere to the ideals of monastic life The use of physical appearance to suggest attributes of a person’s character or personality Example: Think of evil stepmother figures in Disney movies. Their harsh, angular appearances always hint at their malevolent motives