Overview of The Canterbury Tales

Overview

This lecture introduces Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," focusing on its structure and the character of the Wife of Bath, highlighting themes of pilgrimage, social roles, and gender issues.

Introduction to The Canterbury Tales

• "The Canterbury Tales" is based on the medieval practice of religious pilgrimage to the archbishop of Canterbury.
• The pilgrims hope the archbishop will grant them favors such as health or prosperity.
• The pilgrimage grows in number as more people join along the journey.
• Chaucer was inspired by witnessing these pilgrimages and the variety of people involved.

Structure and Framework of the Tales

• The story features 24 pilgrims traveling together, each with a unique background and motivation.
• The work uses a "framework story" structure, where each pilgrim tells their own tale within the main story.
• Each pilgrim's section has a prologue (background and motivation) followed by their tale.
• The prologues establish character personalities and the reasons for joining the pilgrimage.
• The tales themselves often reference classical mythology and relate to the teller's own experiences.

Focus on the Wife of Bath

• The Wife of Bath stands out as a colorful, controversial, and memorable character among the pilgrims.
• She contrasts with other, mostly religious, pilgrims like the nun and the friar.
• The Wife of Bath dresses in red, a color considered scandalous and attention-seeking for women in medieval times.
• She is middle-aged, not conventionally attractive, and has had five husbands, adding to her notoriety.
• She is not well-liked by the other, more religious, female pilgrims and is aware of her outsider status.
• Her prologue challenges gender double standards, criticizing how men and women are judged differently for the same behaviors.
• She discusses issues of infidelity, multiple marriages, and sexual freedom, advocating for gender equality.
• The Wife of Bath has experienced domestic abuse, which shapes her outspoken views on women's rights.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Pilgrimage — a religious journey to a sacred place seeking spiritual benefit or favor.
• Framework Story — a literary structure in which a main narrative contains multiple embedded stories.
• Prologue — an introductory section providing background and justification for a character’s tale.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the Wife of Bath’s prologue and tale in "The Canterbury Tales."
• Prepare for a discussion on gender roles and social norms in medieval society.