Characters
What people did Chaucer portray?
He portrays contemporary English society: he included a knight, the clergy and many members of the emerging ‘middle class’.
Who was the Narrator?
Geoffrey Chaucer
Why is the Chaucer there?
He is going to the Pilgrimage to Canterbury
What are the main themes?
The main theme is the journey, connected to the idea of rebirth.
Where do the characters meet and why?
They meet at the Tabard Inn, in Southwark, at the start of their journey to Canterbury, to visit Thomas Becket’s shrine.
How did his portraits differ from the conventional medieval character portrait?
His portraits were realistic, not static (in contrast to the conventional medieval character), and focused on the pilgrim’s physical appearance, actions, personality and job.
Who was the Author?
Geoffrey Chaucer
What part of society did he belong to?
He belonged to the wealthy part of society.
What is Geogry Chaucer known for?
Satire and Rhyming Couplets
What class was the Clerk in?
The Upper Class
How did Chaucer present women?
He presented women as important and sometimes independent members of society. He showed a real understanding and respect for them.
The time period is was written?
Middle Ages
Why is he regarded as the father of English literature?
Because he portrayed English society of his time and wrote his masterpiece in the dialect of his native London. His language became the basis of Modern English.
What genre is The Canterbury Tales?
It is a narrative poem.
How many pilgrims are there?
Thirty pilgrims.
What do the pilgrims' names refer to?
Their names refer to their profession or role.
What was the framework of the tale?
A religious journey
What were his contributions to the English language?
He coined about 2,000 words and phrases in English.
Who wrote the General Prologue?
Chaucer
What class was the prioress in?
The clergy.
Who does he not describe?
He doesn't describe the aristocracy and peasants.
What season did the tale take place?
Spring
What were some of his achievements?
He travelled to France and Italy, he became Controller of the Customs in the Port of London, he was a Member of Parliament and was appointed Clerk of the King’s Works at Westminster.
How is the story organised?
It has a General Prologue and includes twenty-four tales. It is a story in the story (an embedded story)
what class was the Wife of Bath in?
the merchant class (she was a weaver).