Why is The Canterbury Tales an important work?

Why is The Canterbury Tales an important work?

The Canterbury Tales is one of the best loved works in the history of English literature. One of the reasons Chaucer is so important is that he made the decision to write in English and not French. In the centuries following the Norman invasion, French was the language spoken by those in power.

What was important about Canterbury in the Middle Ages?

Canterbury Cathedral was one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in Medieval England. While the cathedral had huge significance at both a religious and political level in medieval times, its importance as a centre of pilgrimage greatly increased after the murder of Thomas Becket there in 1170.

What was the purpose of The Canterbury Tales in relationship to the Middle Ages?

The Canterbury Tales is considered Chaucer’s masterpiece and is among the most important works of medieval literature for many reasons besides its poetic power and entertainment value, notably its depiction of the different social classes of the 14th century CE as well as clothing worn, pastimes enjoyed, and language/ …

How has The Canterbury Tales influenced medieval society?

Daily Life. In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer tells us not only about social change and religious diversity in his society, but also about everyday life. Reading the tales helps us learn a lot about eating, drinking, and traveling in late medieval England.

Why do we still read The Canterbury Tales today?

The Canterbury Tales in Society Today. Geoffrey Chaucer re-examines the stereotypes and roles in society in the 1300’s in the collection of stories, The Canterbury Tales. Therefore, The Canterbury Tales should still be read and studied because it relates to problems and issues in today’s society.

Why was religion so important in Middle Ages society?

Medieval people counted on the church to provide social services, spiritual guidance and protection from hardships such as famines or plagues. Most people were fully convinced of the validity of the church’s teachings and believed that only the faithful would avoid hell and gain eternal salvation in heaven.

What is the moral of General Prologue?

Unlike the famous tales that follow it, the “Prologue” does not attempt to deliver a particular moral message or statement. Instead, the colorful list of characters reminds of us of the propensity of men (and women) to sin–and enjoy it. He does show us virtuous characters, perhaps as a foil to the more sinful ones.

Why is the Canterbury Tales an important piece of literature?

These are but a few reasons why The Canterbury Tales serves as an important piece of literature. Although it may not be the easiest thing for modern ears to interpret, the signifance of Chaucer’s work cannot be overstated. For one thing, Chaucer championed the vernacular in his work, that is, the real language of everyday citizens.

What is the plot of the Canterbury Tales?

Plot Summary. The Canterbury Tales is a collection of tales describing a group of pilgrims who are traveling to the town of Canterbury to a shrine for the martyr Saint Thomas Becket.

How many stories are in the Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales (Middle English: Tales of Caunterbury) is a collection of over 20 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century, during the time of the Hundred Years’ War.

What is the Order of the Canterbury Tales?

Order of The Canterbury Tales. The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories, mostly in verse, written by Geoffrey Chaucer chiefly from 1387 to 1400. They are held together in a frame story of a pilgrimage on which each member of the group is to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury, and two on the way back.