The Canterbury Tales: Structure

 

The General Prologue

 

In Chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, the narrator introduces the pilgrims who are preparing for a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The group is diverse, consisting of 29 individuals from various walks of life, including a knight, a prioress, a merchant, a miller, a friar, a summoner, and many others. The narrator describes each character in detail, focusing on their appearance, social status, and personality traits. This “General Prologue” serves to establish the framework for the tales to come, as the pilgrims are each set to tell a story on their journey. Through vivid descriptions, Chaucer provides insight into the social and moral attitudes of the time, subtly hinting at both their virtues and flaws. The chapter serves as an introduction to the varied characters, setting the stage for the storytelling that will unfold during their journey to Canterbury.

 

The Knight’s Tale

 

Chapter 2 of The Canterbury Tales introduces the Knight, one of the pilgrims, and sets the stage for his tale. The Knight is described as a noble, honorable man who has fought in numerous crusades and has earned great respect for his bravery and virtue. He is the epitome of chivalry, having participated in battles across Europe, Asia, and Africa, always fighting for noble causes. His humble, modest demeanor contrasts with his impressive background, emphasizing his integrity. As the pilgrims gather to tell their tales, the Knight volunteers to go first, offering a story about the ideals of knighthood, honor, and love. His tale, set in ancient Greece, will highlight themes of chivalry, conflict, and the virtues that define a true knight. The Knight’s character establishes him as a figure of authority, making his upcoming tale an important moral lesson for the group.

 

The Miller’s Tale

 

Chapter 3 of The Canterbury Tales is the Miller’s Tale, a bawdy and comedic story of trickery and deception. It follows a carpenter named John, who is married to a much younger woman, Alison. She catches the eye of a young scholar, Nicholas, who stays in their home. Nicholas seduces Alison and devises a plan to have an affair with her. They trick John into believing that a great flood is coming, leading him to hang himself upside down in a tub to wait out the deluge. While John is in this vulnerable position, Nicholas and Alison carry on their affair. Another man, Absalon, who is also infatuated with Alison, attempts to win her affection through romantic gestures but is humiliated when, in a failed attempt to kiss her, he instead kisses her behind. The tale ends with a chaotic and humorous series of events, highlighting themes of deception and human folly.

 

The Reeve’s Tale

 

In Chapter 4 of The Canterbury Tales, titled The Reeve’s Tale, the story focuses on a dishonest miller named Symkyn. Symkyn is a thief who cheats people by giving them less flour than they paid for. Two students, John and Alan, come to the mill to grind their corn, and Symkyn tries to deceive them. However, the students quickly realize the miller’s trickery. In revenge, they hatch a plan to get back at him.

John and Alan sneak into the miller’s house and sleep with his wife and daughter. The miller, discovering this, tries to stop them, but his attempts only further expose his dishonesty and lack of control over his household. The tale is humorous and satirical, with Chaucer using it to criticize greed, immorality, and the flawed behavior of people in positions of power. It reflects the broader themes of trickery and retribution found throughout the Canterbury Tales.

 

The Cook’s Tale

 

Chapter 5 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Cook’s Tale,” which is a brief, unfinished story. It follows the character of a young apprentice cook, who is described as dishonest and corrupt. The cook’s behavior causes trouble, particularly his tendency to take money and behave irresponsibly. In the tale, he gets involved with a woman, and the narrative humorously suggests that he is eventually kicked out of his apprenticeship due to his poor conduct. While the story itself is incomplete, it highlights the themes of dishonesty, moral corruption, and the consequences of a lack of integrity. The cook’s tale serves as a satirical commentary on the moral failings of certain individuals in society, a common theme in Chaucer’s work. The brevity and unfinished nature of the tale, however, leave much to the imagination, further underlining the ironic and playful style of the work.

 

The Man of Law’s Tale

 

Chapter 6 of The Canterbury Tales presents “The Man of Law’s Tale,” a narrative centered on Constance, a Christian princess who undergoes a series of trials. The tale begins with her being married off to the Sultan of Syria, despite his mother’s objection to Christianity. After a period of happiness, Constance’s life is torn apart when she is falsely accused of killing her husband, leading to her banishment. She sails across the sea, eventually finding refuge in Northumberland, where she marries the King. However, fate strikes again when her life is threatened by her new husband’s mother, and she is cast out once more. Yet, through her steadfast faith and patience, Constance is eventually reunited with her son and her rightful place in the kingdom. The tale explores themes of divine justice, virtue, and the trials of a woman who endures hardship with unwavering faith.

 

The Wife of Bath’s Tale

 

Chapter 7 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” a story about a knight who is punished for raping a young maiden. As a consequence, he is ordered by the queen to discover what women truly desire, with the promise of saving his life if he can answer correctly. After a long search and many failed attempts, the knight encounters an old, ugly woman who agrees to reveal the answer if he promises to do whatever she asks in return. She tells him that women desire sovereignty over their husbands and lovers. When the knight returns and presents the answer, the queen spares his life. In return, the old woman demands the knight marry her. Though repulsed at first, the knight agrees. The old woman then transforms into a beautiful young woman, revealing that true beauty lies in inner virtue and mutual respect in marriage.

 

The Friar’s Tale

 

Chapter 8 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Friar’s Tale,” in which the Friar tells a story about a corrupt summoner. The summoner, who is a church official responsible for calling sinners to court, is depicted as greedy, dishonest, and manipulative. In the tale, the summoner meets a stranger who reveals himself to be a demon. The demon agrees to take the summoner’s soul after his death but tricks him by allowing him to keep his position until he dies. In the end, the summoner tries to trick the demon into sparing him, but the demon ultimately takes him to hell. The story is a critique of corrupt clergy members who exploit their positions for personal gain. It also emphasizes the consequences of greed, hypocrisy, and dishonesty, with the demon serving as a metaphor for the punishment awaiting those who live immoral lives.

 

The Summoner’s Tale

 

In The Canterbury Tales, Chapter 9 is “The Summoner’s Tale.” The story centers on a corrupt summoner, a church official who summons people to court for their sins, often extorting bribes. The Summoner meets a friar who is equally corrupt. The friar begs for a gift from a sick man, promising to pray for his soul. In a comedic turn, the sick man and his wife trick the friar by offering him a supposed gift in the form of a fart. The friar, furious, is mocked as he leaves empty-handed. The tale highlights the hypocrisy and greed of religious figures, portraying them as self-serving rather than genuinely pious. Through humor and satire, Chaucer critiques the moral decay within the medieval Church, showing how some members exploit their positions for personal gain rather than serving the true spiritual needs of the people. The tale also explores themes of trickery and retribution.

 

The Clerk’s Tale

 

Chapter 10 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Clerk’s Tale,” a story about Griselda, a woman of humble origins who marries Walter, a nobleman. Walter tests her patience and loyalty by subjecting her to a series of cruel trials, including taking away their children and remarrying another woman. Throughout these trials, Griselda remains steadfast and obedient, believing in her husband’s authority and the will of God. After years of suffering, Walter reveals that the tests were a ruse and that Griselda has passed with unmatched virtue. He reunites her with their children, and they live happily. The tale explores themes of loyalty, patience, and submission, but also raises questions about the limits of human endurance and the ethical implications of Walter’s actions. The story serves as both a celebration of Griselda’s unwavering loyalty and a critique of the exploitation of women’s obedience.

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The Merchant’s Tale

 

In Chapter 11 of The Canterbury Tales, the Merchant’s Tale tells the story of January, an old, wealthy knight who marries May, a young and beautiful woman. January believes that by marrying a younger wife, he will secure happiness and companionship. However, he is blind to May’s true nature, and she is already having an affair with her lover, Damian. January is deceived into thinking that May is being faithful to him. The tale is filled with themes of deception, infidelity, and the imbalance of power in relationships. May, despite her husband’s blindness (both literal and figurative), manipulates the situation to her advantage. She tricks January into believing she is helping him regain his sight, while she continues her affair in secret. The story is a humorous yet cynical commentary on love, marriage, and the human tendency to ignore uncomfortable truths.

 

The Squire’s Tale

 

Chapter 12 of The Canterbury Tales is the Squire’s Tale. It tells the tragic story of Virginia, a young and beautiful maiden, and her father, Virginius, a nobleman. The story revolves around the corrupt judge, Appius, who becomes infatuated with Virginia and seeks to have her for himself. When she refuses his advances, Appius falsely accuses her of being a servant girl and orders her to be taken away. In an attempt to protect her honor, Virginius is forced to kill his daughter to prevent her from being dishonored. The tale explores themes of virtue, justice, and the abuse of power, with a focus on the consequences of unchecked desire and the tragedy of a father’s love. The story highlights the moral consequences of corruption and the devastating impact of the judicial system when it fails to serve justice.

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The Franklin’s Tale

 

Chapter 13 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Franklin’s Tale,” which tells the story of a knight named Arveragus, his wife Dorigen, and the squire Aurelius. Arveragus goes off to war, and Dorigen, overwhelmed by sorrow, confides in Aurelius that she would never love another man, even if her husband were to die. Aurelius, infatuated with Dorigen, proposes a deal: if he can remove the perilous rocks that threaten the ships sailing near her home, she will marry him. Aurelius works with a magician who removes the rocks, and Dorigen, bound by her promise, prepares to marry him. However, when Arveragus returns safely, Dorigen tells Aurelius the truth and honors her marriage to her husband. Aurelius, moved by her loyalty, decides not to pursue the marriage, and instead, he forgives her. The tale emphasizes themes of honor, loyalty, and the complexities of love and promise.

 

The Physician’s Tale

 

Chapter 14 of The Canterbury Tales features The Physician’s Tale, a tragic narrative centered around the virtue and misfortune of Virginia, a young maiden. The tale begins with a powerful Roman judge, Appius, who becomes infatuated with Virginia. He desires to possess her but is unable to do so because she is already promised to a noble man named Virginius. In an attempt to claim her, Appius falsely accuses Virginia of being a slave and orders her to be taken away. Virginius, devastated by the injustice and determined to protect his daughter’s honor, kills her to save her from dishonor. The tale ends with a reflection on the corruption and cruelty of those in power. Through this story, Chaucer explores themes of justice, honor, and the devastating effects of unchecked authority. The tragic outcome highlights the fragility of virtue in the face of corrupt systems.

 

The Pardoner’s Tale

 

Chapter 15 of The Canterbury Tales is the Pardoner’s Tale, which is a tragic story about a young woman named Virginia, the daughter of a noble man named Virginius. A corrupt judge, Apius, lusts after Virginia and, unable to win her love, falsely accuses her of being his runaway slave. The judge orders her to be taken away and enslaved, but her father, in despair, decides to save her from dishonor. He takes Virginia to the judge, claiming he will give her to him as his slave. In a moment of agony, Virginius killed his daughter to preserve her honor. The tale ends with a condemnation of the judge’s corruption, and the message that vice and corruption, especially within authority, lead to great suffering. The story reflects themes of justice, honor, and the tragic consequences of unchecked power.

 

The Shipman’s Tale

 

Chapter 16 of The Canterbury Tales is The Shipman’s Tale, a clever and humorous story about a merchant, his wife, and a monk. The merchant, frequently away on business, is unable to satisfy his wife’s sexual needs. She, in turn, confides in a monk who is known for his charm and cleverness. The monk promises to help by lending her money to buy gifts for her husband, but instead, he demands repayment in a more personal way. The wife agrees to give the monk her favor in exchange for the money, while convincing her husband that the monk has lent her the money out of generosity. The tale ends with the wife using her wit to outsmart both men. It illustrates themes of deception, the complexity of relationships, and the hypocrisy of religious figures. The story also reflects Chaucer’s satire of human behavior, particularly regarding greed and desire.

 

The Prioress’s Tale

 

Chapter 17 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Prioress’s Tale,” which tells the story of a young Christian boy living in a Jewish quarter. The boy, who loves to sing, learns a hymn to the Virgin Mary and sings it in the streets, despite warnings from his mother. His singing reaches the ears of a group of Jews, who conspire to murder him. They kill the boy and secretly dispose of his body. However, the boy miraculously continues to sing even after death, drawing attention to his body. The boy’s body is discovered, and the Jews are executed for the crime. The boy is then honored as a martyr, and a miracle is attributed to him. The tale reflects the religious tensions of the time and showcases the Prioress’s idealization of purity and devotion. It also includes strong anti-Semitic themes, common in medieval literature.

 

The Monk’s Tale

 

In Chapter 18 of The Canterbury Tales, the Monk tells a series of tragic stories about famous historical and mythological figures whose downfalls illustrate the fickleness of fortune. The tales recount the falls of emperors, kings, and queens—such as the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar, who loses his sanity and kingdom, and the tragic story of the Trojan War. The Monk emphasizes how wealth, power, and status are often fleeting, as even the mightiest can suffer a dramatic reversal of fortune. Each story highlights how human pride, ambition, or misfortune leads to their undoing, and that no one is immune to the whims of fate. The Monk’s tales focus on the theme of the transience of power, reinforcing the idea that even the most powerful figures are vulnerable to loss and suffering, illustrating the inevitability of decline for all earthly powers. This narrative reflects medieval Christian views on humility and the power of divine will.

 

The Nun’s Priest’s Tale

 

Chapter 19 of The Canterbury Tales, known as The Nun’s Priest’s Tale, is a humorous and moralistic fable about a rooster named Chanticleer. He is a proud and vain bird, known for his beautiful voice, and lives in a comfortable farmyard with his hens. Chanticleer is tricked by a cunning fox, who flatters him by praising his singing voice. In his pride, Chanticleer closes his eyes and opens his beak to the crow, but the fox seizes the opportunity to snatch him. However, Chanticleer cleverly escapes by convincing the fox to speak, and when the fox opens his mouth, Chanticleer flies to safety. The tale humorously emphasizes the dangers of pride and vanity while also illustrating the cleverness of Chanticleer. The story conveys a moral lesson about being wary of flattery and not allowing one’s pride to cloud judgment, highlighting the importance of humility and wisdom.

 

The Parson’s Tale

 

Chapter 20 of The Canterbury Tales is “The Parson’s Tale,” a lengthy sermon that contrasts with the more entertaining and humorous tales preceding it. The Parson, a poor but virtuous and devout priest, delivers a moral discourse on penitence. He emphasizes the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust—and their consequences. He teaches that true repentance requires genuine remorse, humility, and a commitment to amend one’s ways. The Parson also criticizes those who seek to repent only to escape punishment, rather than out of genuine contrition. The tale serves as a guide to moral living, urging listeners to focus on salvation and spiritual growth rather than worldly pleasures. This final tale is solemn and religious, reinforcing the theme of morality that runs throughout the work, offering a contrast to the more worldly concerns expressed in the other pilgrims’ stories.

 

The Chaucer’s Retraction

 

Chapter 21 of The Canterbury Tales, known as the Parson’s Tale, is a moral sermon that stands apart from the other tales due to its religious tone. The Parson, a poor but virtuous priest, addresses the pilgrims with a discussion of penitence, focusing on the seven deadly sins and the importance of repentance for salvation. He emphasizes that true repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin, humility, and a commitment to living a righteous life. The Parson also speaks about the need for both the clergy and laity to live according to Christian virtues. The tale’s focus on piety and moral rectitude contrasts with the more secular or comedic nature of many other tales. The Parson concludes with a call for self-examination, urging everyone to examine their souls and repent sincerely. The tale’s seriousness reflects the Parson’s character, presenting him as a model of virtuous behavior within the narrative.

 

Characters of  The Canterbury Tales

 

The Canterbury Tales features a wide array of characters from different walks of life, each representing various social classes, professions, and personality traits. These pilgrims, who are on a journey to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury, tell stories that reflect their views, experiences, and values. Here are some of the key characters:

1. The Knight

• A noble and honorable figure, the Knight is a seasoned warrior who has fought in many battles. He is chivalrous, humble, and devoted to his duties. His tale is a high-minded story of love, honor, and knighthood, showcasing his virtuous character.

2. The Squire

• The Knight’s son, the Squire is young, charming, and skilled in the arts of love and combat. He is somewhat romantic, lively, and eager to prove himself, though his tale is not told in the text.

3. The Miller

• A bawdy, coarse, and humorous character, the Miller is a vulgar figure who enjoys telling off-color jokes and causing trouble. His tale is a comic, racy story about trickery and deceit.

4. The Wife of Bath

• A bold and confident woman, the Wife of Bath is an expert in the ways of marriage. She has had five husbands and is unapologetically open about her sexual experiences and views on women’s sovereignty in marriage. Her tale explores themes of power, gender, and marital relationships.

5. The Pardoner

• A corrupt church official who sells indulgences to absolve people of their sins, the Pardoner is greedy and hypocritical. His tale about the dangers of greed is filled with irony, as he himself is driven by avarice.

6. The Friar

• A jovial and charming man, the Friar is known for his manipulation of the poor and his indulgence in earthly pleasures. His tale, like his character, is filled with humor, and he often represents the hypocrisy of the church.

7. The Parson

• The Parson is a virtuous, poor priest who genuinely practices what he preaches. He is depicted as an ideal religious figure, full of piety, humility, and integrity. His tale is a moral sermon on penitence and Christian virtues.

8. The Clerk

• A poor but educated scholar, the Clerk is a student of philosophy who values knowledge and virtue over material wealth. His tale is a philosophical story about the value of patience and the pursuit of wisdom.

9. The Merchant

• A wealthy and self-important man, the Merchant is concerned with money and social status. His tale explores themes of marriage, wealth, and betrayal, reflecting his views on materialism and relationships.

10. The Shipman

• A rough and experienced sailor, the Shipman is knowledgeable about the sea and its dangers. His tale, though somewhat lesser-known, reflects his experiences with adventure and the complexities of human nature.

11. The Franklin

• A landowner of the lower nobility, the Franklin is known for his generosity and love of good food and drink. His tale explores the theme of loyalty and the rewards of virtue.

12. The Summoner

• A dishonest and corrupt church official, the Summoner is responsible for bringing people to court for ecclesiastical offenses. He is lecherous, greedy, and immoral, and his tale is one of deceit and trickery.

13. The Reeve

• A shrewd and cunning man, the Reeve is a steward for a large estate. He is feared by the workers and is known for his ability to manipulate and control situations. His tale is a revenge-filled story of trickery and retribution.

14. The Cook

• A somewhat minor character, the Cook is skilled in cooking but has an ulcer on his shin, which adds a touch of humor and grotesqueness to his characterization. His tale is short and unfinished in the text.

15. The Nun’s Priest

• A monk who is somewhat comical and a lover of stories, the Nun’s Priest is a humorous and moral figure. His tale about a rooster named Chanticleer teaches a lesson about the dangers of flattery and pride.

16. The Monk

• A wealthy and indulgent man, the Monk enjoys the pleasures of life and is not particularly devout, breaking the vows of poverty and humility. His tale, about the fall of powerful men, is full of historical lessons.

17. The Prioress

• A nun who is dainty, refined, and concerned with appearances, the Prioress is known for her compassion for animals and her attention to etiquette. Her tale about a miraculous event involving a young Christian boy reflects her religious values but also her biases.

18. The Doctor

• A knowledgeable and wealthy physician, the Doctor is skilled in his craft but also somewhat greedy and interested in making money from his patients. He is well-versed in astrology and medicine but lacks genuine compassion.

19. The Yeoman

• The Yeoman is a servant to the Knight and Squire, depicted as a forester dressed in green and carrying weapons. He is a figure of competence and loyalty, though his story is not told.

20. The Physician

• A learned and wealthy character, the Physician is portrayed as someone who values material wealth but lacks true ethical concern for his patients. His tale explores themes of medicine, wealth, and ethics.

21. The Pardoner

• A corrupt ecclesiastical figure who exploits the faith of the people for his gain, the Pardoner is known for his greed and deceit. He makes a living selling fake relics and indulgences, and his tale ironically condemns greed while he embodies it.

 

Themes of  The Canterbury Tales

 

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer explores a wide range of themes that reflect the complexities of 14th-century society. The tales touch on issues of morality, social class, religion, love, and human nature. Here are some of the key themes in the work:

1. Social Class and the Complexity of Human Nature

• Chaucer presents a cross-section of medieval society, with pilgrims from various social classes, including knights, clergy, merchants, and peasants. The interactions and stories told by these characters reveal the complexities of human nature across different social strata. The work critiques the rigidity of the class system and exposes hypocrisy, as characters from all walks of life are shown to possess virtues and flaws in equal measure.

2. Corruption and Hypocrisy of the Church

• Throughout The Canterbury Tales, many of the religious figures, such as the Pardoner, the Friar, and the Summoner, are depicted as corrupt and morally questionable. Chaucer uses these characters to criticize the moral and ethical shortcomings of the Church during his time. This theme reveals how religious figures, who should be paragons of virtue, are often more concerned with personal gain than with spiritual guidance.

3. The Power of Storytelling

• A key theme of The Canterbury Tales is the role of storytelling as a means of communication and self-expression. The pilgrims’ tales serve as a way to reveal their characters, values, and perspectives on the world. Through storytelling, Chaucer offers a variety of moral lessons, critiques of society, and insights into the human condition, all while emphasizing the power of narrative to shape one’s identity.

4. Love and Relationships

• Many of the tales explore different aspects of love, including romantic, marital, and platonic love. From the idealized chivalric love in “The Knight’s Tale” to the more cynical views of marriage and relationships in the “Wife of Bath’s Tale,” Chaucer presents a range of perspectives on love. The tales reveal the complexities and contradictions of human relationships, highlighting themes of desire, loyalty, betrayal, and power dynamics within love and marriage.

5. Greed and Materialism

• Greed is a recurring theme in The Canterbury Tales. The Pardoner’s tale about the destructive power of greed illustrates how the pursuit of wealth can lead to corruption and moral decay. Other characters, such as the Merchant and the Monk, also reflect a preoccupation with wealth and materialism, suggesting that the pursuit of earthly goods often leads to negative consequences, both morally and spiritually.

6. The Role of Women

• Chaucer addresses issues of gender and the role of women in society, especially through characters like the Wife of Bath and the Prioress. The Wife of Bath, in particular, offers a bold, unapologetic perspective on women’s desires, marriage, and sexual agency. Chaucer critiques societal expectations of women and challenges traditional views on marriage and female power, exploring how women navigate social constraints and seek agency in their lives.

7. Fortune and Fate

• Several tales in The Canterbury Tales reflect on the influence of fate and fortune on human lives. The “Knight’s Tale” and “The Clerk’s Tale,” for example, explore the idea of fate controlling the lives of individuals, particularly in matters of love and destiny. The theme of Fortune’s wheel, where characters’ positions in life are subject to change, underlines the uncertainty of human existence and the unpredictability of fortune.

8. Moral Lessons and Human Follies

• Each tale typically carries a moral lesson, often related to human weaknesses such as pride, hypocrisy, greed, and lust. Chaucer uses humor and irony to expose human folly, showing how individuals are often blind to their own faults. The tales provide both moral instruction and social critique, questioning societal norms and personal conduct.

9. The Satire of Medieval Society

• Chaucer’s work is a pointed satire of medieval society, exposing its flaws and contradictions. Through the interactions between pilgrims and the tales they tell, Chaucer critiques various societal institutions, including the church, the feudal system, and the growing merchant class. His satirical portrayal of these institutions serves as a critique of the moral and social decay present in the period.

10. Hypocrisy and Moral Corruption

• Many of the characters in The Canterbury Tales present a facade of morality or piety while simultaneously engaging in immoral or corrupt behavior. Characters like the Pardoner, the Friar, and the Summoner are prime examples of this hypocrisy. Chaucer uses these characters to demonstrate the gap between outward appearances and inner corruption, highlighting the moral failings that often lurk beneath the surface.

11. Justice and Retribution

• Several of the tales involve the theme of justice, often focusing on retribution or moral consequences for wrongdoings. In the “Pardoner’s Tale,” for example, the three rioters seek to kill Death but instead meet their own deaths due to their greed. The idea that moral failings will eventually be punished is a common thread in many of the tales.