Canterbury Tales The General Prologue The Middle Ages Named by scholars for the time in between the Ancient period and the Renaissance Also called the Medieval period Bubonic plague (Black Death) 1/3 of Europe was wiped out; carried by rats/fleas; Medieval Society Feudalism was the organizing social system. All land was owned by the King. The Five Estates: King Clergy and Church Employees The Barons The Knights Merchant and Peasants Most literature of the Ancient World focused on the 1 st Estate exclusively Medieval Religion Heaven Purgatory Hell Mortal vs. Venial Sins Indulgences Corruption in the Church Papal indulgences on the rise (some fake, some real) Fake relics Clergy not living up to their vows German Priest, Martin Luther and his 95 theses protest Protestant Reformation Canterbury Tales Written around Written by Geoffrey Chaucer Soldier Courtier Royal emissary to Europe Controller of customs Justice of the peace Member of Parliament Writer The General Prologue Setting: April at the Tabard Inn Goal: Pilgrimage to Canterbury Plot: Contest to see who can tell the best story Characters: 29 Pilgrims Prologue Chaucer has the idea to bring together 29 various people in a pilgrimage by chance Represent a wide range of 14 th century English society Makes comprehensive study of humans Perfect way to present his irony Satire The use of irony, sarcasm, or mockery, to expose, criticize, or ridicule vice, folly, etc. Satire is used to show foolishness or vice in humans, organizations, or even governments Satire is often used to effect political or social change or to prevent it. Three Social Groups Represent a wide range of 14 th century English society 3 Groups Represented: Agricultural feudalism Nobility Knights yeoman Franklin Merchants and Tradesmen Change in feudal structure Doctor Guildsmen The Church One of the most powerful elements in medieval society 9 of pilgrims belong to clergy Plot Each pilgrim tells two stories on the way to Canterbury two stories on the way back Plan proposed by Harry Bailey, host of the Tabard Inn Teller of best tale is rewarded at the end A dinner provided by his fellow pilgrims at the Tabard Harry Bailey is judge Plot Group is on its way to the holy shrine of St. Thomas A Becket Archbishop of Canterbury Opposed Henry II over the balance between royal and religious power Was murdered in the cathedral Considered a martyr and later made a saint His blood was held to contain great curative qualities, restoring health to the sick Prologue Chaucers project was never finished Only 24 tales exist Tales were probably composed at various times throughout Chaucers life