Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Essay Example

Part 1

By creating a setting where pilgrims (travelers) tell different stories, the author takes a chance to introduce the narrators, their preferences, beliefs, and personalities. By listing the characters before the tales commence, the author tells the reader about were the pilgrims came from, and how they looked like. They tell frivolous tales in “God’s name”, which is in itself a grotesque theme.

Chaucer also addresses contemporary stereotypes, such as monks, knights, travelers, and nuns in his introduction. Some of the characters will be the main actors of the stories. However, the persona of the author is hidden and neglected. He reflects on social classes and status while describing the interaction between the characters.

The main motive of the plan is entertainment. Harry Bailey suggests that the pilgrims ride together and tell each other stories. The best story is rewarded by a meal at the tavern. The decision of who is starting is democratic.

In the story, the characters have equal chance of winning the contest. They can win independent of their social status. While in the middle ages priests had more authority, they need to entertain not only those turning up at the church, but those from different walks of life.

Part 2: The Knight’s Tale

1. the plot: The romantic story of a knight who suffered and loved.
2. the characters: Theseus, as a mythological figure, and a real knight, representing honor, virtue, and adventure.
3. the setting: Set in ancient Athens
4. the theme: The main theme is rules, honor, and order.

Part 3: The Wife of Bath’s Tale

1. the plot: The author describes a woman who believed that a woman had control over men and married five times.
2. the characters: The main character is the wife, who makes a strong point, opposing the teachings of the Bible.
3. the setting: The speaker, the wife tells everything she knows about marriage, as an authority figure.
4. the theme: The woman’s control over men’s body is the main theme, and this makes The Pardoner, who is soon to be married worried.