1. Background Notes and Information
The Canterbury Tales
Background Notes and Information

2. Geoffrey Chaucer “greatest English poet” Born in a middle-class family
Moved up in society through his marriage and the people he knew

3. The Canterbury Tales Setting: Tabard Inn outside of London
Pilgrims: 29 + host Harry Bailey (Chaucer?) = 30
Challenge: each tell 2 stories on the way to Canterbury and 2 on the way back (total = 4)
Prize for best story: dinner paid for by everyone else

4. Terms to know Pilgrimage: Long journey to a shrine or holy site
Martyr: someone who dies for a cause
Frame Story: a large story that holds smaller stories within it

5. Terms to know (cont.)
Direct Characterization: a direct statement about a character
Indirect Characterization: actions, thoughts, and dialogue reveal a character’s personality
Social Commentary: writing that offers insight into society, its values, and customs

6. Thomas à Becket
Archbishop of Canterbury; would not relinquish control of the church to Henry II; four of Henry’s knights overheard his complaints about Becket and murdered Becket in the night. Within days, people began making pilgrimages to Canterbury to pay homage to Becket; he was later deemed a saint.