1. The “Skinny” on Geoffrey Chaucer

2. 1343-1400 (approx) Bridged Medieval and Renaissance periods Traveled extensively in Italy; exposed to continental poetry Considered the Father of English poetry First “modern” author

3. Historical-Cultural Context The Three Estates: –Estate of Temporal Rulers: King, Prince, Duke (Chivalry) –Estate of Spiritual Rulers: Clergy –Estate of Providers (Plowmen, for example)

4. Role of Church No secular society as we understand it today Pre-Reformation (no Protestants) Literacy rates low (rote learning, oral tradition, pictures-icons-visuals) Church dominated all aspects of life No sense of separation of church and state

5. The Canterbury Tales Chaucer adopts persona of pilgrim: differentiate between Chaucer the Pilgrim and Chaucer the Poet Chaucer himself slightly noble, if you will; discreet, subtle 30 Pilgrims journey to Canterbury (includes Chaucer and 29 others)

6. Each Pilgrim to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury; two tales on the way home Meet at an Inn and begin their journey Prologue is an Introduction Pilgrims include full range of society