CANTERBURY TALESBy Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)
ENGLAND IN MIDDLE 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
ENGLAND 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 Crusades Magna Carta
ENGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES
The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) was the first national war waged by England.
Hundred Years’ War Bubonic 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.
CANTERBURY TALES Written around 1387-1400 Written by Geoffrey Chaucer
SoldierCourtierRoyal emissary to EuropeController of customs Justice of the peaceMember of ParliamentArtist Chaucer’s background enables him to give us a rich
and varied portraits of contemporaries from every walk of life
PROLOGUE
Chaucer has the idea to bring together 29 “sondry folk” in a pilgrimage
Represent a wide range of 14th 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.
ENGLAND IN MIDDLE AGES
Lower, middle, and upper-middle classes developed in the cities.
THE TRAVELERS TO CANTERBURY
THE TRAVELERS TO CANTERBURY
THE TRAVELERS TO CANTERBURY
UPPER CLASS• Wife of Bath• Franklin
PROLOGUE
Represent a wide range of 14th century English society3 Groups Represent:
Agricultural feudalism Landownership and service
Knight’s yeomanFranklin
Urbanization Change in feudal structure
DoctorGuildsmen
The Church One of the most powerful elements in medieval soceity
9 of pilgrims belong to clergy
PROLOGUE
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
PROLOGUE
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
THE KNIGHT
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.
Knight Squire Yeoman Prioress Monk Friar Merchant Clerk
Sergeant Franklin Guildsmen Cook Shipman Doctor Wife of Bath Parson
Miller Manciple Reeve Summoner Pardoner Poet Host (innkeeper Harry Bailey)
