1. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

2. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) Dominant literary figure in the 14 th century Dominant literary figure in the 14 th century “Father of English Literature” “Father of English Literature” Since most literature and science was still written in Latin, Chaucer wrote his stories in Middle English (now Modern English). Until then, only ballads and the Gawain poems had been written in English because scholars felt the language lacked sophistication and had a limited vocabulary. Since most literature and science was still written in Latin, Chaucer wrote his stories in Middle English (now Modern English). Until then, only ballads and the Gawain poems had been written in English because scholars felt the language lacked sophistication and had a limited vocabulary.

3. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) Life experiences Life experiences –child of wealthy wine merchant –page in a royal household –spoke English, French, Latin, & Italian Fluently –Soldier & diplomat –member of Parliament Born to a middle class family Born to a middle class family His father believed his child should have a formal education. His father believed his child should have a formal education.

4. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) Odd jobs = civil servant and scrap metal collector Odd jobs = civil servant and scrap metal collector Travelled all over Europe. Travelled all over Europe. Worked as a government official under three different kings = high social status. Worked as a government official under three different kings = high social status. Was captured as a POW during the Hundred Year’s War  King paid his ransom. Was captured as a POW during the Hundred Year’s War  King paid his ransom.

5. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) Died of unknown causes – murder suspected. Died of unknown causes – murder suspected. Chaucer was one of the first writers to be buried in the Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. Chaucer was one of the first writers to be buried in the Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.

6. Writing Style Most scholars still wrote in Latin. Most scholars still wrote in Latin. –Felt English lacked sophistication and had a limited vocabulary. –Only local stories and ballads written in English. He wrote in the vernacular or language of the commoners  Now known as Middle English. He wrote in the vernacular or language of the commoners  Now known as Middle English.

7. Writing Style Allegory: Allegory: –A story in which the character, settings, and events stand for abstract or moral concepts. –It has a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning. –Popular in the Middle Ages. Satire: witty language used to convey insult Satire: witty language used to convey insult Rhythmic pattern Rhythmic pattern Lack of alliteration Lack of alliteration Best known for writing The Canterbury Tales, but also had several other works as well. Best known for writing The Canterbury Tales, but also had several other works as well.

8. Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales Wrote around 1385 A.D. Wrote around 1385 A.D. Planned many more tales, but did not complete the proposed amount before his death. Planned many more tales, but did not complete the proposed amount before his death. Wrote about all classes in The Canterbury Tales to give us a glimpse of English society at the time. Wrote about all classes in The Canterbury Tales to give us a glimpse of English society at the time.

9. Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales Canterbury Tales can be considered “estates satire”. Canterbury Tales can be considered “estates satire”. Three “Estates” in European feudal society. Three “Estates” in European feudal society. –Peasants work (agricultural labor) –Clergy pray –Nobles fight (and rule) Planned: 120 tales Planned: 120 tales Completed: 22 and 2 fragments Completed: 22 and 2 fragments

10. Chaucer Images

11. The Middle Ages Background The Middle Ages Background Hierarchy – Class Structure During Chaucer’s Time Nobility/Ruling Class - Knight and Squire Clergy - Monk, Friar, Prioress, Parson, Summoner, Pardoner Middle Class – Merchant, Doctor, Student, Wife of Bath Peasants – Miller, Plowman, Skipper

12. Knight’s Code of Chivalry A knight must be: A knight must be: –true to his God and a defender of the faith. –true and loyal to his lord and king. –true to his lady. –humble and modest in daily actions. –brave and fierce in war and adversity.

13. Code of the Clergy A member of the clergy must: A member of the clergy must: –be chaste and pure. –be devoted to God. –obey God and Biblical law. –take vows of poverty. –achieve heavenly reward through earthly denial.

14. Seven Deadly Sins Gluttony Gluttony Avarice / Greed Avarice / Greed Sloth Sloth Lust Lust Vanity Vanity Pride Pride Anger Anger

15. Moral Virtues (opposite of sins) Moderation Moderation Generosity Generosity Diligence Diligence Love Love Modesty Modesty Humility Humility Forgiveness Forgiveness

16. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales Takes representatives of English society on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. Takes representatives of English society on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. Pilgrims—each has speech and tale that matches a real person during his (Chaucer’s) time. Pilgrims—each has speech and tale that matches a real person during his (Chaucer’s) time.

17. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (cont.) 30 characters representing all social classes. 30 characters representing all social classes. –Chaucer, as a parody of himself, is one of the pilgrims. –Although fictional, does have realistic settings and occupations.  Tabard Inn  Canterbury & Canterbury Cathedral  Shrine of Thomas Becket Chaucer’s tone: IRONIC Chaucer’s tone: IRONIC

18. The Prologue The pilgrims are on their way to Canterbury to pay homage at Becket’s tomb. The pilgrims are on their way to Canterbury to pay homage at Becket’s tomb. Each agrees to tell two tales on the way to the shrine and two tales back. Each agrees to tell two tales on the way to the shrine and two tales back. The winner will receive a supper paid for by all. The winner will receive a supper paid for by all.

19. List of 30 Pilgrims  Narrator – line 20  Knight – line 43  Squire – line 81  Yeoman – line 103  Prioress (+ 3) – line 122  Monk – line 169  Friar – line 212  Merchant – line 280  Oxford Cleric – line 295  Serjeant at Law – line 319  Franklin – line 341  Guildsmen – (Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, Carpet-Maker) - line 371  Cook – line 390  Skipper – line 398  Doctor – line 421  Wife of Bath – line 455  Parson – line 488  Plowman – line 539  Miller – line 561  Manciple – line 585  Reeve – line 605  Summoner - line 641  Pardoner – line 689