1. The Canterbury Tales Author: Geoffrey Chaucer

2. Geoffrey Chaucer  Father of the English language  Middle class, well-educated (father was wine merchant)  Served at court  Royal clerk  Diplomatic missions to France, Spain, Italy

3. Geoffrey Chaucer  Wrote The Canterbury Tales later in life  In his lifetime, he was recognized as the greatest English poet.  Buried in Westminster Abbey

4. Canterbury Tales  “The Canterbury Tales… is actually a story about stories…”  Each pilgrim is telling a story  Different genres: romance, comedy, rhyme, prose, crude humor, religious mysteries  Written in Middle English  Many translations are available  Our version is translated by Neville Coghill  Journey through medieval society  Shows deep insight into human character  Spans medieval middle class society  3 ideal figures of society portrayed: knight, parson, plowman

5. The Pilgrimage  29 pilgrims + 1 host  Traveling together on a pilgrimage to Canterbury  Pilgrimage—long journey to a shrine or holy site, undertaken by people who wish to express their devotion  Canterbury—religious center of England  Canterbury Cathedral was the focus of devotion because Saint Thomas Becket was murdered there in 1170

6. The Pilgrimage  Each person was supposed to tell 2 stories on the way to Canterbury & 2 on the way back.  That would make 120 stories total.  Chaucer only completed the General Prologue and 24 tales.

7. o Archbishop Thomas Becket struggled for church’s independence with King Henry II. He was exiled to France for 6 years. He returned and angered the King. o King –: “Not one will deliver me from this low-born priest?” o 4 knights murdered him December 29, 1170, in Cathedral. o Canonized 3 years later. Sh rine completed in 1220.

8. Canterbury Cathedral

9. Pilgrim’s Route

10. General Prologue  Lines 1-18 are the most famous  Introduces setting, characters, journey  Introduction of pilgrims  Catholics (150 years before Henry VIII broke from Rome)  Common to travel together; provided protection  April in Southwark at Tabard Inn, owner Harry Bailey  Bailey suggests they pass time by taking turns telling stories. The best will win a prize.  Brief portraits of pilgrims

11. The Four Humors The four humors is a psychological theory that was popular during Chaucer’s time period. It suggests that there are four fundamental personality types. 1. Sanguine (blood): optimistic, leader-like, cheerful 2. Choleric (yellow bile): bad-tempered, irritable 3. Phlegmatic (phlegm): relaxed and peaceful 4. Melancholic (black bile): analytical and quiet

12. Seven Deadly Sins 1. Gluttony—too much food or drink, overindulgence 2. Lust—intense sexual desire or appetite 3. Sloth—laziness 4. Avarice—greed 5. Pride—conceited 6. Wrath—anger 7. Envy—jealousy (often leads to hate)