The Canterbury TalesGeoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales Written between 1387 and 1400

Before printing presses - first copies were handwritten.

Written in Middle English, which was spoken by mostly lower classes between 1100 and 1500.

Chaucer first to use Middle English as literary language!

What is Middle English?Go to page 95

What does Middle English sound like?

Go to page104, line 389

PilgrimmageWhat is a pilgrimage?

What are some sacred sites people travel today, or throughout history?

Pilgrimmage Long journey to an important site or

location. Usually religious in nature. In Canterbury, they are going to the

shrine of St. Thomas a Becket.

Frame Story A framework for connecting many,

unrelated short stories or tales

stories within a story

Examples: 1001 Arabian Nights

Can you think of others?

Chaucer's Frame Story 29 pilgrims traveling to shrine meet at an inn to start.

the “host” (owner of inn) declares a contest Each traveler will tell two stories on the way to the shrine

and two on the way back.

The traveler with the best stories will win a free feast back at the inn, at the expense of all the others. The host also agrees to go with them and judge the contest.

The narrator also goes to Canterbury = 31 travelers in all.

Frame story

Unconnected stories within the story

Canterbury Tales “The Prologue” is the narrator’s

(Chaucer) introduction of each character as he/she arrives at the inn to depart. He also explains the host’s suggested contest.

The “Tales” are the stories told by each pilgrim on their way to or from the shrine.

Saint Thomas a Becket Pilgrims begin in London and travel to

the Shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.

68 miles

Why, you ask are they going to visit

a shrine for St. Thomas a Becket?

Saint Thomas a Becket Born well-to-do in London, approx. 1118 At age 25 gained employment in house

of Theobald of Bec, archbishop of Canterbury

Studied law in Italy and France

Saint Thomas a BecketAppointed archdeacon of Canterbury, under

Theobald, his mentorGained favor with King Henry IIReplaced Theobald as archbishop of

Canterbury after Theobald’s death in 1162. K. Henry thought he had ally in office to help

gain some power over Church, but….

Becket took the side of the church! After rejecting a decree of King Henry’s that

limited the power of church Becket fled and took refuge in France in 1170.

Saint Thomas a Becket While away, Becket excommunicated clergy

who participated in Henry son’s coronation as co-ruler.

was called a hero by the people of England.

As a result of popularity and actions, four knights of King Henry’s murdered Becket inside the Canterbury Cathedral in December 1170.

Saint Thomas a Becket Entombed in Canterbury Cathedral

Canonized as a saint in 1173 after reports of miracles occurring at his burial site.

Common site for pilgrims seeking healing and other miracles.