1. Geoffrey Chaucer Writer in the Medieval Period Born in London around 1340 Probably well-educated (son of a prosperous wine merchant) Writings suggest he was an avid reader and interested in science, particularly astrology Performed military service Spent time in service to royalty Died in 1400

2. The Canterbury Tales Collection of 20+ stories Written in Middle English at the end of the 14 th century (Chaucer was in his 50s) Thought to be unfinished – planned to write more tales Some tales left unfinished 82 copies have been passed down since medieval times (none from Chaucer’s life) -Some copies complete, some incomplete

3. The Canterbury Tales Tales vary in each of the 82 manuscripts Could be copying errors, or that Chaucer was revising as his work was being copied Interlinear translation – contained between lines Written during the Hundred Years’ War “Pitted the House of Plantagenet, rulers of the Kingdom of England, against the House of Valois for control of the Kingdom of France. Each side drew many allies into the war.”

4. “General Prologue” Pilgrimage to Canterbury St. Thomas Becket’s shrine Narrator is at Tabard Inn in Southwark Is Chaucer the narrator? Describes the pilgrims Host demands that each pilgrim tell four tales 29 pilgrims 2 on the way to Canterbury, 2 on the way back Whoever tells the best story wins a free meal General Prologue in Middle English General Prologue in Middle English Rap Version

5. Canterbury Cathedral

6. Medieval Society 3 general classes: Military (incl. Nobility) Knight, Squire Clergy (people ordained for religious duties) Prioress, Monk, Friar, Parson Laity (lay people – distinct from clergy) All other characters

7. Religion Religious pilgrimage and numerous religious characters Some Europeans starting to question the authority of the established Church Corruption of religious figures in C.T. Pardoner (a person licensed to sell papal pardons), p. 45 Monk – loved hunting, fine clothes, p. 11-14