Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. This article provides a summary of the tales and their themes, as well as an overview of Chaucer’s life and literary style. From ribald humor to heartfelt morality, “The Canterbury Tales” offers a rich tapestry of medieval life and culture that continues to captivate readers today.
The Characters of “The Canterbury Tales”
Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a tale, and through their stories, we get a glimpse into their personalities and lives. The characters in “The Canterbury Tales” are diverse, ranging from a noble knight to a drunken miller. Chaucer’s skillful characterization brings each pilgrim to life, making them memorable and relatable. Some of the most notable characters include the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, and the Miller. The Wife of Bath is a strong-willed and independent woman who has been married five times. The Pardoner is a corrupt church official who sells indulgences to people seeking forgiveness for their sins. The Miller is a boisterous and vulgar man who tells a ribald tale. Each character in “The Canterbury Tales” has their own unique voice and perspective, making the collection a rich tapestry of medieval life and culture.
The Prologue
The Prologue of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” sets the stage for the storytelling journey that is about to take place. The narrator introduces us to a group of pilgrims who are traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The pilgrims come from all walks of life, from the noble Knight to the lowly Miller. As they journey together, they agree to tell stories to pass the time. The Prologue not only introduces us to the characters but also gives us insight into their personalities and relationships with one another. It is a fascinating glimpse into medieval society and the art of storytelling.
The Knight’s Tale
“The Knight’s Tale” is the first and longest tale in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” It tells the story of two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who fall in love with the same woman, Emily. The tale is set in ancient Greece and is filled with themes of love, honor, and fate. The two knights engage in a fierce battle for Emily’s hand, but ultimately, it is fate that decides who will win her heart. The Knight’s Tale is a classic example of medieval romance literature and is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.
The Miller’s Tale
“The Miller’s Tale” is a raunchy and comedic story told by the Miller, a character who is described as being a “stout and brawny” man with a “red beard.” The tale centers around a carpenter named John, his young wife Alison, and a young scholar named Nicholas. Nicholas convinces Alison to have an affair with him while John is away, and they come up with a plan to trick John into thinking that a great flood is coming. The plan involves Nicholas hanging in a tub from the rafters of the carpenter’s house, pretending to be a prophet who has received a vision of the flood. John believes the prophecy and cuts the tub down, causing him to fall and injure himself. Meanwhile, Alison and Nicholas consummate their affair. The Miller’s Tale is a prime example of Chaucer’s use of bawdy humor and satire, and it provides a stark contrast to the more serious and moralistic tales told by other characters in The Canterbury Tales.
The Reeve’s Tale
“The Reeve’s Tale” is a story about two students who trick a miller and his wife out of their grain and flour. The miller is portrayed as a dishonest and greedy man, while the students are clever and cunning. The tale is a commentary on the social hierarchy of medieval England, where the wealthy landowners held power over the lower classes. The students’ actions can be seen as a form of rebellion against this system, as they take advantage of the miller’s greed and dishonesty to gain wealth and status. However, the tale also highlights the dangers of deception and the consequences that can come from taking advantage of others. Overall, “The Reeve’s Tale” is a complex and thought-provoking story that offers insight into the social and cultural context of Chaucer’s time.
The Cook’s Tale
In “The Cook’s Tale,” we are introduced to a drunken and disheveled cook who tells a tale of a young apprentice who falls in love with his master’s wife. The cook’s tale is incomplete, leaving readers to wonder what happens next. However, the tale is filled with vivid descriptions and a sense of urgency that keeps readers engaged. Despite the cook’s appearance and behavior, his storytelling skills are impressive, showcasing Chaucer’s ability to create complex and multifaceted characters. The cook’s tale serves as a reminder that even those who may seem rough around the edges can have a talent for storytelling.
The Man of Law’s Tale
“The Man of Law’s Tale” is a story of a virtuous woman named Custance who is forced to leave her home and travel to a foreign land. Along the way, she faces numerous trials and tribulations, including being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Despite these hardships, Custance remains steadfast in her faith and eventually finds her way back to her homeland, where she is reunited with her family and marries a nobleman. The tale is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. It also highlights the importance of justice and mercy, as Custance’s enemies are ultimately punished for their wrongdoing. Overall, “The Man of Law’s Tale” is a compelling and inspiring story that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale
The Wife of Bath’s Tale is one of the most famous and controversial tales in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. The tale is told by the Wife of Bath, a character who is known for her outspokenness and her unconventional views on marriage and sexuality. In the tale, the Wife of Bath tells the story of a knight who is punished for raping a young woman. The knight is given a year to find out what women really want, and he sets out on a journey to find the answer. Along the way, he meets an old woman who offers to help him in exchange for a promise that he will do whatever she asks of him. The knight agrees, and the old woman tells him that women want sovereignty over their husbands and lovers. The knight returns to the court and gives the answer, and the old woman demands that he marry her as his reward. The knight reluctantly agrees, and the old woman transforms into a beautiful young woman. The tale is often interpreted as a feminist critique of the patriarchal society of Chaucer’s time, and it has been the subject of much debate and analysis over the years.
The Friar’s Tale
In “The Friar’s Tale,” Chaucer tells the story of a corrupt summoner who is bribed by a lecherous old man to marry a young girl. The summoner agrees to the deal, but when the old man dies, he refuses to give up the girl’s dowry. The girl seeks the help of a friar, who devises a plan to trick the summoner into confessing his sins. The tale is a commentary on the corruption and greed of the church, as well as the importance of confession and repentance.
The Summoner’s Tale
“The Summoner’s Tale” is a satirical story that follows the character of a summoner, who is responsible for summoning individuals to appear in court. The tale begins with a description of the summoner’s physical appearance, which is unflattering and repulsive. The summoner is depicted as having a face covered in pimples and boils, and his breath is said to be so foul that it could knock a person out.
The story then shifts to a narrative about a friar who is known for his ability to beg for money from wealthy individuals. The friar is portrayed as being greedy and manipulative, using his charm to extract money from people who are vulnerable or in need. The friar’s actions eventually catch up with him when he meets a man who is dying and in need of spiritual guidance. The friar attempts to extract money from the dying man, but the man sees through his deception and curses him.
The summoner’s tale is a commentary on the corruption and greed that existed within the church during Chaucer’s time. The friar is representative of the clergy who used their positions of power to exploit the vulnerable and enrich themselves. The summoner, on the other hand, is depicted as being just as corrupt as the friar, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption within the church.
Overall, “The Summoner’s Tale” is a biting satire that exposes the hypocrisy and greed that existed within the church during Chaucer’s time. It is a reminder that even those who are supposed to be moral and virtuous can be corrupted by power and greed.
The Clerk’s Tale
“The Clerk’s Tale” is a story of patience, loyalty, and faithfulness. It tells the story of Griselda, a young woman who marries a nobleman named Walter. Walter tests Griselda’s loyalty and patience by subjecting her to a series of cruel and unusual tests. Despite the hardships she endures, Griselda remains steadfast in her devotion to her husband. In the end, Walter reveals that the tests were all a ruse to teach Griselda a lesson about the importance of obedience and humility. The tale is a powerful reminder of the virtues of loyalty and faithfulness, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance.
The Merchant’s Tale
“The Merchant’s Tale” is a story about a wealthy old man named January who decides to marry a young woman named May. Despite their significant age difference, January is convinced that May will bring him happiness and companionship in his old age. However, May has other plans and soon begins an affair with January’s young squire, Damian. The story takes a dark turn when January becomes blind and May and Damian take advantage of his disability to continue their affair right under his nose. The tale is a commentary on the dangers of lust and the consequences of marrying for superficial reasons. It also highlights the power dynamics between men and women in medieval society, as May is able to manipulate both January and Damian to get what she wants. Overall, “The Merchant’s Tale” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation and the importance of choosing a partner for the right reasons.
The Squire’s Tale
“The Squire’s Tale” is a romantic and adventurous story that follows the journey of a young knight named Cambuskan. The tale is filled with magical elements, including a flying horse and a mirror that can reveal the future. Cambuskan receives these gifts from a mysterious king, and he sets out on a quest to find the source of the magic. Along the way, he encounters a series of challenges and battles, including a fierce dragon that he must defeat to save a princess. The Squire’s Tale is a captivating story that showcases Chaucer’s skill as a storyteller and his ability to weave together elements of romance, adventure, and fantasy.
The Franklin’s Tale
“The Franklin’s Tale” is a story of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It tells the story of Arveragus, a noble knight, and his wife Dorigen. When Arveragus leaves for war, Dorigen is left alone and vulnerable. She is courted by a young squire named Aurelius, who promises to make her his if she agrees to his terms. Dorigen, loyal to her husband, refuses. Aurelius, heartbroken, seeks the help of a magician to make the impossible happen – to remove the rocks that line the coast of Brittany, where Dorigen and Arveragus live, so that she can be his. The magician agrees, but at a steep price. When Aurelius realizes he cannot pay, he is ready to die. However, Arveragus, who has returned from war, offers to pay the debt for him, out of gratitude for his loyalty. In the end, Dorigen is saved from having to choose between her loyalty to her husband and her own desires, and Aurelius learns the true meaning of sacrifice and love. The Franklin’s Tale is a beautiful example of Chaucer’s ability to weave together themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Physician’s Tale
“The Physician’s Tale” is a story of a young girl named Virginia who is falsely accused of being a slave and is about to be taken away from her father. Her father, Virginius, decides to kill her instead of letting her be taken away and subjected to a life of slavery. The tale explores themes of justice, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. It is a tragic story that leaves the reader questioning the morality of the characters involved. The Physician’s Tale is a powerful addition to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and showcases the author’s ability to tell a compelling story that resonates with readers even centuries later.
The Pardoner’s Tale
“The Pardoner’s Tale” is one of the most controversial and thought-provoking stories in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” The tale is told by a pardoner, a person who sells indulgences to people in exchange for forgiveness of their sins. The pardoner is a corrupt and immoral character who uses his position to exploit people’s fears and weaknesses. In his tale, he tells the story of three young men who set out to find and kill Death. The story is a powerful allegory about the dangers of greed, pride, and envy, and it raises important questions about the nature of sin and redemption. Despite its dark themes and disturbing imagery, “The Pardoner’s Tale” is a masterpiece of medieval literature that continues to captivate readers today.
The Shipman’s Tale
In “The Shipman’s Tale,” the Shipman tells a story about a wealthy merchant named John who marries a young and beautiful woman named May. However, May is not satisfied with her marriage and begins an affair with John’s clerk, Nicholas. The two lovers devise a plan to trick John into believing that a great flood is coming and that he must prepare for it by hanging three large tubs from the ceiling. While John is busy with the preparations, Nicholas and May sneak away to have their tryst in one of the tubs. However, another man, Absolon, who is also in love with May, shows up and tries to woo her by singing outside her window. May, not wanting to be caught, sticks her rear end out the window and Absolon kisses it, thinking it is her face. The story ends with John falling from the tubs and breaking his arm, while May and Nicholas continue their affair. The Shipman’s Tale is a humorous and bawdy story that highlights the theme of infidelity and the consequences that come with it.
The Prioress’s Tale
“The Prioress’s Tale” is a story about a young boy who is brutally murdered by Jews for singing a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The tale is a reflection of the anti-Semitic attitudes prevalent in medieval Europe, and it portrays Jews as cruel and heartless. The Prioress, who tells the story, is a devout Christian who is deeply moved by the boy’s martyrdom. She praises him for his piety and courage, and she condemns the Jews for their wickedness. The tale is a powerful reminder of the dangers of prejudice and intolerance, and it serves as a warning against the persecution of minority groups. Despite its controversial subject matter, “The Prioress’s Tale” is a compelling and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Tale of Sir Thopas
“The Tale of Sir Thopas” is a humorous and satirical tale that pokes fun at the conventions of medieval romance. The story follows the adventures of Sir Thopas, a knight who sets out on a quest to win the love of a beautiful elf queen. Along the way, he encounters a series of obstacles and battles various monsters, including a giant and a dragon. However, the tale is not meant to be taken seriously, as Sir Thopas is portrayed as a bumbling and foolish character who is more interested in his appearance and his horse than in actually achieving his goal. The tale is also notable for its use of a sing-song rhyme scheme and its exaggerated descriptions of Sir Thopas’s appearance and equipment. Overall, “The Tale of Sir Thopas” is a lighthearted and entertaining addition to “The Canterbury Tales” that showcases Chaucer’s skill as a storyteller and his ability to satirize the conventions of his time.