The Canterbury Tales

Synopsis

'Whoever best acquits himself, and tells The most amusing and instructive tale, Shall have a dinner, paid for by us all...' In Chaucer's most ambitious poem, The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387), a group of pilgrims assembles in an inn just outside London and agree to entertain each other on the way to Canterbury by telling stories. The pilgrims come from all ranks of society, from the crusading Knight and burly Miller to the worldly Monk and lusty Wife of Bath. Their tales are as various as the tellers, including romance, bawdy comedy, beast fable, learned debate, parable, and Eastern adventure. The resulting collection gives us a set of characters so vivid that they have often been taken as portraits from real life, and a series of stories as hilarious in their comedy as they are affecting in their tragedy. Even after 600 years, their account of the human condition seems both fresh and true. This new edition of David Wright's acclaimed translation includes a new critical introduction and invaluable notes by a leading Chaucer scholar. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Prologue

The Prologue introduces the 30 pilgrims who gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. The Host of the inn proposes a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral and suggests a storytelling contest during the journey.

Example: "When that April with his showers so sweet / The drought of March hath pierced to the root, / And bathed every vein in such licence..."

Knight's Tale

The Knight tells a chivalrous romance about two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who fall in love with the same woman. The story explores themes of love, honor, and destiny.

Example: "In Athens dwell'd of old a duke named Theseus, / Full wise and worthy, wonderful of fame, / And of his lineage was come a knight / True as a steel and hardy as the flame."

Miller's Tale

The Miller responds with a bawdy tale about a carpenter, a jealous husband, and a student. The story is full of humor and farcical situations.

Example: "Whilom there was dwelling at Oxenford / A rich carpenter, by name Absolon."

Reeve's Tale

The Reeve takes his turn with a satirical tale about two dishonest millers. The story exposes the corruption and greed of the miller class.

Example: "At Trumpington, not far from Cambridge town, / There lived a miller that was white and bold."

Cook's Tale

The Cook begins to tell a tale about a dishonest innkeeper, but it is abruptly cut off by the Host. The tale is a fragment and its ending is unknown.

Example: "A prentice whilom dwelling in our town, / Whos name was Perkin Revellour, by name..."

Man of Law's Tale

The Man of Law tells a moral tale about the importance of patience and forgiveness. The story follows the journey of a young woman named Constance who faces numerous trials and tribulations.

Example: "In Syrie there was a noble knight, / That had a daughter by his wife so dear / As any jewel, or as any light."

Wife of Bath's Tale

The Wife of Bath shares a feminist tale about a knight who marries a hideous old woman. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and women's rights.

Example: "In olden days, of husbands twelve I had, / And over them all I bore the mastery."

Friar's Tale

The Friar tells a moral tale about the dangers of lust and temptation. The story follows the journey of a young summoner who is tempted by a demon.

Example: "This worthy limiter was named Hubert, / And had a little summoner of his own, / Who ran with him in many a town..."

Summoner's Tale

The Summoner retaliates with a raucous tale about a corrupt friar who is tricked by a demon. The story satirizes the greed and hypocrisy of the Church.

Example: "There was in my country a friar, / A wanton and a merry reveler, / That loved mischief better than his brethren..."