Introduction
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a cornerstone of English literature and one of the greatest poetic works of the Middle Ages. Written towards the end of the 14th century, this collection of stories is presented as part of a storytelling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. 🏰✨
Chaucer, often called the father of English literature, used “The Canterbury Tales” to paint an intricately detailed picture of medieval society. Notably, it is written in Middle English, which bridges the gap between Old English and Modern English. The genre of the work can be categorized as a frame narrative, featuring a variety of tales from different narrators, each reflecting distinct aspects of contemporary society—from the noble knight to the humble plowman.
Meaning of The Canterbury Tales
Opening Section “The Canterbury Tales” begins with the famous General Prologue, where Chaucer introduces the setting and the pilgrims. Each character’s introduction offers not only a physical but also a social and moral portrait. For instance:
“A Knyght ther was, and that a worthy man, That fro the tyme that he first began To riden out, he loved chivalrie, Trouthe and honour, fredom and curteisie.”
Mid Section As the tales progress, they vary widely in genre, tone, and theme, reflecting the diversity of the characters themselves. The tales range from chivalric romances to moral allegories to bawdy stories. This variety serves as a cross-section of 14th-century English society.
Concluding Section The collection does not have a unified ending; each tale is concluded by the next pilgrim’s story starting, creating a rich tapestry of narrative voices and styles. The Parson’s Tale, which concludes the collection, serves as a moral critique of the times, urging a return to Christian values and penitence.
In-depth Analysis
In “The Canterbury Tales,” Geoffrey Chaucer employs an array of literary techniques, syntax, diction, and figurative language that enrich the text and offer deep insights into the characters and their tales. Here’s a breakdown:
The Knight’s Tale —
- Themes: Chivalry, love, fate.
- Symbols: The temple of Mars symbolizes the destructiveness of love and war.
- Literary Techniques: Uses elevated language and references to classical gods and heroes to underscore the nobility of the characters.
The Miller’s Tale —
- Themes: Deception, lust, and revenge.
- Symbols: The flood that never arrives and Nicholas’ burning buttocks symbolize the folly and burning desires of the characters.
- Literary Techniques: Chaucer uses a fabliau style, which is comically coarse and blunt, contrasting sharply with the romantic style of the Knight’s Tale.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale —
- Themes: Power dynamics in marriage, autonomy, and justice.
- Symbols: The transformation of the old woman into a beautiful maiden symbolizes the transformational power of autonomy and respect in relationships.
- Literary Techniques: The prologue is often considered a monologue that gives voice to a strong female perspective, challenging the patriarchal norms of the times.
Each tale employs specific devices and styles suitable to the storyteller’s background and the tale’s moral or lesson.
Poetic Devices used in The Canterbury Tales
| Device | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alliteration | The repetition of initial sounds in successive or closely connected words. | “She was a worthy woman al hir lyve.” |
| Assonance | The repetition of vowel sounds to create internal rhyming within phrases or sentences. | “That slepen al the nyght with open ye.” |
| Consonance | Repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. | “And bathed every veyne in swich licour.” |
| Irony | A figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. | In the Pardoner’s Tale, the Pardoner preaches against greed but is himself extremely greedy. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. | Animals in the Nun’s Priest’s Tale represent human traits. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. | “He was a verray, parfit gentil knight.” – metaphorically describes the Knight’s noble character. |
| Simile | A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. | “As white as is a lily flower.” |
| Personification | A figure of speech where human qualities are given to animals, objects or ideas. | The Sun is often personified, speaking to the characters in several tales. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. | Exaggerations in the descriptions of the Wife of Bath’s appearance and travels. |
| Allegory | A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. | Many tales, like the Pardoner’s Tale, are allegorical and convey deeper moral or spiritual meanings. |
The Canterbury Tales – FAQs
What is the main theme of ‘The Canterbury Tales’? The main themes include social satire, the representation of a microcosm of the medieval society, and the critique of morality and conduct.
Why did Chaucer use a pilgrimage as the setting for the tales? The pilgrimage framework allowed Chaucer to bring together a diverse group of people, each of whom could tell a story reflecting a broad spectrum of medieval life.
How does Chaucer portray women in ‘The Canterbury Tales’? Chaucer offers a complex portrayal of women through characters like the Wife of Bath, who is assertive and experienced, challenging contemporary societal norms.
What is the significance of the frame narrative in ‘The Canterbury Tales’? The frame narrative allows for a variety of voices and perspectives, enhancing the thematic richness and providing insights into the social fabric of the time.
The Canterbury Tales Study Guide
Exercise for Students:
Task: Analyze the following verse from “The Canterbury Tales” and list all the poetic devices used. This will help you understand how Chaucer’s use of language contributes to the vivid storytelling and thematic depth of his work.
Verse:
“Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote
The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,
And bathed every veyne in swich licour,
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;”
Answer Key:
- Alliteration: Notice the repetition of initial sounds in “droghte of March” and “perced to the roote.”
- Assonance: The line “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote” uses the repetition of the ‘o’ sounds to create a melodious quality.
- Personification: April is personified, actively performing the action of piercing the drought of March with its showers.
- Imagery: The entire verse is rich with imagery, vividly painting the transition from March to April and the rejuvenation of nature.
This exercise encourages students to look closely at Chaucer’s language, enhancing their appreciation for his artistic mastery and deepening their understanding of the text’s layered meanings.