The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Genesis and Framework of The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, a cornerstone of English literature, was composed at the end of the 14th century. This collection of stories is structured as a frame narrative, where a group of pilgrims each share tales during their journey to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The work begins with a General Prologue, where Chaucer introduces a diverse array of characters from different social classes and occupations, who gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. The host, Harry Bailly, proposes a storytelling competition to entertain the group along their pilgrimage. Chaucer himself is a character in the tales, providing a unique self-referential dimension to the work.

The Diverse Literary Forms and Motifs in The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales is a rich tapestry of 24 stories that reflect the complexity of medieval life through a variety of literary genres. The tales range from chivalric romances, which detail the quests and adventures of knights, to allegories that convey hidden moral or political messages. The collection also includes fabliaux, humorous and often ribald stories that satirize social mores. Through these narratives, Chaucer delves into themes such as courtly love, social stratification, religious hypocrisy, and the nature of corruption, offering a multifaceted depiction of 14th-century English society.

Chaucer's Mastery of Verse and Prose in The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales predominantly employs verse, particularly iambic pentameter, a poetic meter that he helped to popularize in English literature. This choice reflects the influence of Italian literary traditions, notably Boccaccio's 'Decameron,' which Chaucer may have encountered during his diplomatic missions to Italy. Chaucer's work, however, is distinct in its encompassing portrayal of English society. Two of the tales, 'The Tale of Melibee' and 'The Parson's Tale,' are notable exceptions, written in prose. The narrative voice varies throughout the collection, with the 'General Prologue' narrated in the first person by Chaucer's persona, while the individual tales are typically related in a third-person omniscient voice.

Characterization and Social Critique in The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales presents a vivid gallery of characters, each embodying different aspects of medieval society. The narrator, a fictionalized version of Chaucer, is portrayed with a sense of naivety and affability. The host, Harry Bailly, is depicted as jovial and fair-minded. The Knight is characterized as the embodiment of chivalric ideals, while the Wife of Bath is notable for her assertive views on marriage and female agency. Figures such as the Pardoner and the Miller represent societal corruption, with the former peddling fake relics and the latter engaging in deceitful business practices. These characters, through their stories and interactions, provide a satirical lens through which Chaucer examines the vices and virtues of his time.

The Incomplete Conclusion of The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales does not culminate in a traditional conclusion, leaving the outcome of the storytelling contest unresolved. This lack of closure is often attributed to Chaucer's death in 1400, which prevented him from completing the work. In the 'Retraction' that follows the tales, Chaucer expresses regret for any offensive content within the stories, a move that can be interpreted as a safeguard against potential criticism. Despite facing censorship, including a ban in the United States for its candid treatment of topics such as sexuality and religion, The Canterbury Tales endures as a seminal work. Chaucer's innovative use of the vernacular English and his insightful social commentary have secured his legacy as the 'Father of English Literature.'