1. Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

2. History of the Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer began writing the tales around 1387 AD
Uncompleted manuscript published 1400AD, the year he died
First book of poetry purposely written in the English language
Set a precedent and poets from Shakespeare to Dryden and Keats to Eliot owe him a debt of gratitude

3. Artistry of Form
As a work of art it encompasses individuality and universality
Narrative structure allowed Chaucer the freedom to create a variety of matter in a unified form
Many genres incorporated including;
Fabliaux
Romance
Melodrama
Parable
And more…

4. Artistry of Form (cont’d.)
Despite being unfinished, clear indications of a plan
Each pilgrim to tell at least two stories maybe more
Chaucer was writing and collecting whatever occurred to him, but it was likely to find a more firmly constructed structure as it neared completion.

5. Artistry of Language Chaucer wrote in English
It was becoming more solid and widespread
He used verse, which was the norm, but varied it according to his purpose
Despite borrowing much of his material, his use of language injects these tales with new life

6. Mastery of Character Part of his master rests with creating characters
The characters take turns telling tales
They have depth and verisimilitude
Characters are created through:
Physical descriptions (some quite graphic)
Characters interacting with each other
The tales themselves reflecting character (often specifically their personalities and motivations)

7. Merits of Meaning
Chaucer is free to use tales to convey multiple themes
Creates a microcosm of medieval English life (almost a sociological exploration possible)
Paints a multifaceted picture of humanity
Parodies forms of literature
Entertains