1. The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer

2. Structure 30 pilgrims (Not all are named, because they are grouped by profession) 120 tales in a framework narrative: each pilgrim tells 4 tales (two on the way to Canterbury, two on the return) Tripartite –General Prologue –Prologue –Tale Before his death, Chaucer completed 22 of the tales

3. Narrative Techniques Plot structure Forward movement of the story Value and importance of setting Use of character Relationship to the teller to the tale

4. Characterization Stated and implied Characterization Kinds of characters –Stock characters –Realistic characters Chaucer determined temperament by physiognomy (i.e. a too high forehead = intelligence)

5. Variety of Forms Saint’s legend Folk tale Fairy tale Fabliau Romance Exemplum Novella

6. The tales illustrate Chaucer’s vision of the world (comic and ironic) They also show Chaucer’s interpretation of life. The exemplify Chaucer’s picture of Medieval society.

7. Why do people go on a pilgrimage? To escape from time or self (“The Wanderer”) To increase knowledge of social and political systems Spiritual incentive Fear of Hell (Divine Comedy) Confessional mode to peers Celebration of happiness To be a part of the crowd To make business contacts (both the businessmen and ecclesiastics)