Study Notes on Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales (1/20/25)
Overview of Chaucer and the Pilgrims
The narrative follows a social hierarchy, beginning with the Knight, while contrasting characters' appearances with their moral reality (lines -).
Key themes include human morality, greed, and the diverse representations of humanity within the group.
The Pilgrimage and Thomas Becket
The destination is Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, whose conflict with King Henry II over church-state authority led to his martyrdom.
His beliefs predate the Reformation, highlighting the complex religious landscape of the century.
Catholicism and Language
While Catholicism was the predominant faith, its hierarchy often kept religious knowledge from commoners.
Chaucer and John Wycliffe worked to elevate Middle English over Latin, making literature and religious texts accessible to the general public.
Chaucer’s Legacy and Context
Spanning from to, Chaucer’s life marked a pivotal era for English literature.
Known as the "Father of English Literature," his phonetic style and character-driven narratives established the foundation for future writers like William Shakespeare.