# The Canterbury Tales > collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer **Wikidata**: [Q191663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191663) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_Tales) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/canterbury-tales ## Summary *The Canterbury Tales* is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer, published around 1387. It consists of a General Prologue and 24 tales told by pilgrims on a journey to Canterbury, each reflecting the social and moral values of 14th-century England. ## Key Facts - A literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in Middle English. - Published around 1387, consisting of a General Prologue and 24 tales. - Composed of stories told by pilgrims during a journey to Canterbury. - Includes notable tales such as *The Knight's Tale*, *The Miller's Tale*, and *The Wife of Bath's Tale*. - Part of English-language literature, reflecting the social and moral values of 14th-century England. - Influenced by earlier works like *The Decameron* by Giovanni Boccaccio. - Preserved in manuscripts such as the Ellesmere Chaucer. ## FAQs **What is the structure of *The Canterbury Tales*?** *The Canterbury Tales* begins with a General Prologue, followed by 24 tales told by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Each tale is framed by a narrator, reflecting the social and moral values of 14th-century England. **Who are the main characters in *The Canterbury Tales*?** The main characters include Geoffrey Chaucer, the narrator, and the pilgrims who tell the tales, such as the Knight, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, and the Pardoner. Each character represents a different social class and contributes a unique story. **How does *The Canterbury Tales* compare to *The Decameron*?** Both *The Canterbury Tales* and *The Decameron* are collections of stories told during a journey, but *The Canterbury Tales* is set in England and reflects the social and moral values of 14th-century England, while *The Decameron* is an Italian work from the same period. **What is the significance of the General Prologue in *The Canterbury Tales*?** The General Prologue serves as the introduction to the collection, setting the scene for the pilgrimage and introducing the characters who will tell the tales. It establishes the framework for the stories that follow. **How has *The Canterbury Tales* been preserved over time?** *The Canterbury Tales* has been preserved in manuscripts such as the Ellesmere Chaucer, which contains an illuminated copy of the work. These manuscripts provide valuable historical and literary evidence of the text. ## Why It Matters *The Canterbury Tales* is significant as a foundational work of English literature, showcasing the social and moral values of 14th-century England. It reflects the diversity of medieval society through its characters and stories, offering a unique perspective on the time. The work's influence extends to later literary traditions, including the development of the English novel and the exploration of human nature and morality. Chaucer's use of Middle English and his innovative storytelling techniques have left a lasting impact on the English language and literature. ## Notable For - Being the first major work of English literature written in the vernacular. - Introducing the concept of the "frame narrative," where a story is told within a story. - Reflecting the social hierarchy and moral values of 14th-century England. - Influencing later literary works, including the development of the English novel. - Preserved in manuscripts such as the Ellesmere Chaucer, providing historical context. ## Body ### Overview *The Canterbury Tales* is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer, published around 1387. The work consists of a General Prologue and 24 tales told by pilgrims on a journey to Canterbury. Each tale reflects the social and moral values of 14th-century England, offering a unique perspective on the time. ### Composition and Structure The *Canterbury Tales* begins with a General Prologue, which sets the scene for the pilgrimage and introduces the characters who will tell the tales. The 24 tales that follow are framed by the pilgrims themselves, each representing a different social class. The stories include *The Knight's Tale*, *The Miller's Tale*, and *The Wife of Bath's Tale*, among others. ### Influences and Context *The Canterbury Tales* is influenced by earlier works such as *The Decameron* by Giovanni Boccaccio, which tells stories during a journey. However, *The Canterbury Tales* is set in England and reflects the social and moral values of 14th-century England. The work's themes of love, morality, and human nature are central to its significance. ### Preservation and Legacy *The Canterbury Tales* has been preserved in manuscripts such as the Ellesmere Chaucer, which contains an illuminated copy of the work. These manuscripts provide valuable historical and literary evidence of the text. The work's influence extends to later literary traditions, including the development of the English novel and the exploration of human nature and morality. ### Notable Tales The *Canterbury Tales* includes notable tales such as *The Knight's Tale*, *The Miller's Tale*, and *The Wife of Bath's Tale*. Each tale offers a unique perspective on the social and moral values of 14th-century England. The stories reflect the diversity of medieval society and provide insight into the time. ### Impact on Literature *The Canterbury Tales* has had a significant impact on English literature, influencing later works and shaping the development of the English novel. Chaucer's use of Middle English and his innovative storytelling techniques have left a lasting impact on the English language and literature. The work's themes of love, morality, and human nature continue to resonate with readers today. ## References 1. MusicBrainz 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [The Canterbury tales of Chaucer by Geoffrey Chaucer | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL531767W/The_Canterbury_Tales?edition=key%3A/books/OL23401794M) 4. BabelNet 5. Quora 6. CC 6 7. Goodreads 8. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute