1. The Canterbury Tales
A Brief Introduction

2. Who By Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400) An English ambassador
Well-traveled
Well-educated (Latin, French, English)

3. What? A frame story (set of stories within a larger story)
About a group of 22 pilgrims headed to Canterbury to celebrate the
Martyrdom of Thomas a Beckett
Staying overnight at an inn and they decide to have a storytelling contest
The winner wins free room and board
The first great piece of literature written in the English language
(Latin versus vernacular)

4. Where? In Southwark, England, at the Tabard Inn.
Between London and Canterbury

5. When
In April (the season for pilgrimages)
1300’s

6. Why? Thomas a Beckett (1120-1170) Archbishop of Canterbury
Conflicted with Henry II over the role of the Church in England
Henry II ( ) often considered a tyrant, sought control over the Church
Thomas a Beckett stands up against Henry and is martyred