CANTERBURY TALE Meaning and
Definition
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Canterbury Tale refers to a collection of stories attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet, which are set within a framework of a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Middle Ages. Published in the late 14th century, the Canterbury Tales consists of 24 stories as well as a general prologue and a framework narrative.
The tales are written in Middle English and are renowned for their compelling characters, vivid descriptions, and social commentary, reflecting a variety of medieval English life and society. Chaucer portrays different social classes, including nobility, clergy, and commoners, through a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique voice and story to tell. The tales encompass a wide range of topics, from love and romance to morality, religion, and social norms, presenting a rich tapestry of medieval English culture.
The Canterbury Tales' distinctive structure involves a group of pilgrims who meet at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, and agree to tell stories during their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. Each pilgrim, representing a different social class or occupation, is asked to share two tales on the way to Canterbury and two on their return. However, Chaucer was unable to finish the work, resulting in an incomplete collection. Nonetheless, the Canterbury Tales holds a significant place in English literature due to its innovative narrative style, masterful characterizations, and its exploration of diverse themes and genres.
Common Misspellings for CANTERBURY TALE
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Etymology of CANTERBURY TALE
The word "Canterbury" originates from the Old English words "Cantware-burh", which means "fortress of the people of Kent". Canterbury is a historic city located in Kent, England. The word "tale" comes from the Old English word "tal", which means a narrative or story.
In the context of "Canterbury Tales", it refers to the collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. Chaucer's tales were set within the framework of a fictional pilgrimage to Canterbury, where a group of pilgrims tells stories to entertain each other on their journey. So, the term "Canterbury tale" essentially refers to one of the narratives or stories told by the pilgrims in Chaucer's work.
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