The Canterbury Tales is considered Chaucer’s masterpiece for several reasons. First, it marks the beginnings of a new tradition: Chaucer was the first writer to use English in a major literary work. Secondly, it gives a picture of a cross-section of society during the 1300s. Finally, it is a detailed, lifelike, and engaging picture. Chaucer lets his characters speak as they might actually talk. This was risky because they did not always talk in a polite way, which could offend some readers. Chaucer acknowledges this fact himself:
. . . I rehearseSome critics were shocked by the earthy language and humor in certain stories, but even more were captivated by the characters, stories, and the language itself.
Their tales as told, for better or for worse,
For else I should be false to what occurred.
So if this tale had better not be heard,
Just turn the page and choose another sort;
You’ll find them here in plenty, long and short;
Many historical, that will profess
Morality, good breeding, saintliness.
Do not blame me if you should choose amiss.
1. Talk about how the tales were started. The pilgrims told tales that matched their own experiences (and, as we have seen already, they are varied!) There are cautionary (morality) tales, tales of chivalry, romance tales, tales of love and marriage, The Knight starts because he is the highest ranking member (even though they “drew lots.”) He tells a Tale of Chivalry or medieval romance Put Elements of Chivalry up for the students. Tell students "The Knight’s Tale," using before and after questions.
3. How does the Knight’s choice of tale and manner of telling relate to what we know about him?
4. Lead into "The Miller’s Tale." He interrupts the order and demands to tell his tale now. At this point we know that any tale is okay and the rules are off. "The Miller's Tale" has elements of Fabliaux (comic bawdy stories that depend on a joke or twist) and mystery (religious questions) tales, and it has a romance as well.
5. End with "The Reeve's Tale." This is a much more mean spirited response to "The Miller's Tale." What similarities/differences can the students note?
Homework Collected: Annotated bibliography
Homework Given:
Research Paper Due Dates:
Primary and Secondary Sources List: February 9th
Outline: February 17th
Rough Working Draft: February 24th
Peer Review Draft: March 9th
Published Draft: March 16th
Handouts given out: None
To Read:"The Knight’s Tale," "The Miller’s Tale," and "The Reeve's Tale," see Mrs. Tyler for a copy
