Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer 1340?-1400 Son of wealthy London merchant Aristocratic education Brief military experience Court diplomat Controller of the Customs in London from 1374-1386

Chaucer Time of political and religious turmoil Known for “tolerant inquisitiveness” and “self-effacing … modesty” Wrote in Middle English, closer to modern English of Shakespeare

Canterbury Tales Frame story – pilgrims traveling to Canterbury to pay respects at the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket, archbishop murdered by king’s men in “misunderstanding,” and therefore considered a martyr. Each pilgrim is to tell 4 stories – 2 on the way there, 2 on the way back, but Chaucer did not complete this massive endeavor

Canterbury Tales Satire found throughout, but very clear in The General Prologue’s description of pilgrims. Most of the pilgrims are unpleasant in some way, and almost all of the clergy are corrupt. The Parson serves as Chaucer’s model clergyman, Christ-like and selfless. Entire work written in rhyming couplets (iambic pentameter) Miller’s Tale represents crass vulgarity, Wife of Bath displays ironic consequences, Pardoner’s Tale lesson on greed.