1. C ANTERBURY T ALES By Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)

2. E NGLAND IN M IDDLE AGES Feudalism replaced the Nordic social system. The primary duty of males above the serf class was to serve in the military— Knighthood. Women had no political rights. Chivalry and courtly love served as the system of social codes

3. E NGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES The Crusades extended from 1095- 1270. They brought contact with Eastern mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and crafts. The Magna-Carta defeated papal central power. document that King John of England (1166 - 1216) was forced into signing because it greatly reduced the power he held as the King of England and allowed for the formation of a powerful parliament. The Magna Carta became the basis for English citizen's rights. The CrusadesMagna Carta

4. E NGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) was the first national war waged by England. Hundred Years’ WarBubonic Plague The Black Death (1348-1349) brought the end of the Middle Ages. Fleas on rats carried the bubonic plague which killed thousands of people in Europe.

5. C ANTERBURY T ALES Written around 1387-1400 Written by Geoffrey Chaucer Soldier Courtier Royal emissary to Europe Controller of customs Justice of the peace Member of Parliament Artist Chaucer’s background enables him to give us a rich and varied portraits of contemporaries from every walk of life

6. P ROLOGUE Chaucer has the idea to bring together 29 “sondry folk” in a pilgrimage Represent a wide range of 14 th century English society Makes comprehensive study of humans Perfect way to present his irony Most of these people on the journey would never have anything to do with each other socially. Differing social classes, orders, etc.

7. E NGLAND IN MIDDLE AGES Lower, middle, and upper-middle classes developed in the cities.

8. T HE T RAVELERS TO C ANTERBURY Working Class Plowman Haberdasher Cook Dyer Miller Carpenter Reeve Weaver Host Carpetmaker

9. T HE T RAVELERS TO C ANTERBURY Professional Class Military Knight, Squire, Yeoman Religious Nun, 3 Priests, Friar, Parson, Pardoner, Summoner Secular Cleric, Sergeant at Law, Merchant, Skipper, Doctor

10. T HE T RAVELERS TO C ANTERBURY UPPER CLASS Wife of Bath Franklin

11. P ROLOGUE Represent a wide range of 14 th century English society 3 Groups Represent: Agricultural feudalism Landownership and service Knight’s yeoman Franklin Urbanization Change in feudal structure Doctor Guildsmen The Church One of the most powerful elements in medieval soceity 9 of pilgrims belong to clergy

12. P ROLOGUE Prologue sets the scene and introduces reader to the characters Each pilgrim tell two stories on the way to Canterbury two stories on the way back Plan proposed by Harry Bailey, host of the Tabard Inn Teller of best tale is rewarded at the end A dinner provided by his fellow pilgrims at the Tabard Harry Bailey is judge

13. P ROLOGUE Chaucer’s project was never finished Only 24 tales exist Tales were probably composed at various times in Chaucer’s life Group is on its way to the holy shrine of St. Thomas ă Becket Archbishop of Canterbury Considered a martyr and later made a saint His blood was held to contain great curative qualities, restoring health to the sick

14. T HE K NIGHT Was an honorable warrior who fought for Christianity against the heathens. Appropriate that he is the first pilgrim to be introduced because he stands at the top of the social hierarchy, thus is the most socially prominent person on the journey. Tells the first story; many offer him compliments. All of the battles mentioned that he fought in were religious wars of some kind.

15. Knight Squire Yeoman Prioress Monk Friar Merchant Clerk

16. Sergeant Franklin Guildsmen Cook Shipman Doctor Wife of Bath Parson

17. Miller Manciple Reeve Summoner Pardoner Poet Host (innkeeper Harry Bailey)