The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer Structure 30

The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer

Structure • 30 pilgrims (Not all are named, because they are grouped by profession) • 120 tales in a framework narrative: each pilgrim tells 4 tales (two on the way to Canterbury, two on the return) • Tripartite – General Prologue – Tale • Before his death, Chaucer completed 22 of the tales

Narrative Techniques • • • Plot structure Forward movement of the story Value and importance of setting Use of character Relationship to the teller to the tale

Characterization • Stated and implied Characterization • Kinds of characters – Stock characters – Realistic characters • Chaucer determined temperament by physiognomy (i. e. a too high forehead = intelligence)

Variety of Forms • • Saint’s legend Folk tale Fairy tale Fabliau Romance Exemplum Novella

• The tales illustrate Chaucer’s vision of the world (comic and ironic) • They also show Chaucer’s interpretation of life. • The exemplify Chaucer’s picture of Medieval society.

Why do people go on a pilgrimage? • To escape from time or self (“The Wanderer”) • To increase knowledge of social and political systems • Spiritual incentive • Fear of Hell (Divine Comedy) • Confessional mode to peers • Celebration of happiness • To be a part of the crowd • To make business contacts (both the businessmen and ecclesiastics)