1. Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.