1. The Canterbury Tales Prologue

2. Frame Narrative  Chaucer intended to have the pilgrim’s stories framed by the premise of the pilgrimage.  This is called a frame narrative: a story that is used as a structure or narrative setting to frame one or more other stories  The Prologue introduces the cast of characters while simultaneously setting up the frame narrative structure of the pilgrim’s stories.  Stories told by the pilgrims include Medieval Romances, Allegories, and Moral Tales

3. Medieval Romance  An adventure tale with extravagant characters, exotic places, heroic events, and supernatural forces  Ex. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

4. Allegory  A work with both a literal and symbolic meaning.  Most characters, objects, settings, and events are representative of abstract concepts  The purpose is to convey truths about life, to teach religious or moral lessons, or to criticize social institutions.  Ex. John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress

5. Moral Tale  A story that illustrates a moral lesson, such as a fable  Ex. “The Pardoner’s Tale” from The Canterbury Tales

6. The Pilgrims’ Tales  The Host proposes, “Each one of you shall help to make things slip/ By telling two stories on the outward trip/ To Canterbury, that’s what I intend,/ And on the homeward way to journey’s end/ Another two, tales from the days of old;/ And then the man whose story is best told/ […]/ He shall be given a supper, paid by all,/ Here in this tavern, in this very hall,/ When we come back again from Canterbury. (811-821)

7. Summary  Each pilgrim will tell a total of 4 stories  The pilgrim who tells the best story will be treated to a magnificent dinner by the rest of the party

8. Review  Who is Geoffrey Chaucer?  Where is he buried?  What is a frame story?  Why are the pilgrims traveling to Canterbury?  What is a medieval romance?  What is the main purpose behind “The Prologue”?  Why are they telling stories?  How many total stories are they supposed to tell?  Which member of the Church does Chaucer seem to admire most?  Which pilgrim seems to care more about animals than humans?  Which pilgrim was a gentleman who had been in many battles?  Which pilgrim sold relics?