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The Canterbury Tales Written between 1387 and 1400
Before printing presses - first copies were handwritten.
Written in Middle English, which was spoken by mostly lower classes between 1100 and 1500.
Chaucer first to use Middle English as literary language!
What does Middle English sound like?
Go to page104, line 389
PilgrimmageWhat is a pilgrimage?
What are some sacred sites people travel today, or throughout history?
Pilgrimmage Long journey to an important site or
location. Usually religious in nature. In Canterbury, they are going to the
shrine of St. Thomas a Becket.
Frame Story A framework for connecting many,
unrelated short stories or tales
stories within a story
Examples: 1001 Arabian Nights
Can you think of others?
Chaucer's Frame Story 29 pilgrims traveling to shrine meet at an inn to start.
the “host” (owner of inn) declares a contest Each traveler will tell two stories on the way to the shrine
and two on the way back.
The traveler with the best stories will win a free feast back at the inn, at the expense of all the others. The host also agrees to go with them and judge the contest.
The narrator also goes to Canterbury = 31 travelers in all.
Frame story
Unconnected stories within the story
Canterbury Tales “The Prologue” is the narrator’s
(Chaucer) introduction of each character as he/she arrives at the inn to depart. He also explains the host’s suggested contest.
The “Tales” are the stories told by each pilgrim on their way to or from the shrine.
Saint Thomas a Becket Pilgrims begin in London and travel to
the Shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.
68 miles
Saint Thomas a Becket
Born well-to-do in London, approx. 1118
At age 25 gained employment in house
of Theobald of Bec, archbishop of
Canterbury
Studied law in Italy and France
Saint Thomas a Becket
Appointed archdeacon of Canterbury, under
Theobald, his mentor
Gained favor with King Henry II
Replaced Theobald as archbishop of
Canterbury after Theobald’s death in 1162.
K. Henry thought he had ally in office to
help gain some power over Church, but….
Becket took the side of the church!
After rejecting a decree of King Henry’s that limited the power of church Becket fled and took refuge in France in 1170.
Saint Thomas a Becket While away, Becket excommunicated clergy
who participated in Henry son’s coronation as co-ruler.
was called a hero by the people of England.
As a result of popularity and actions, four knights of King Henry’s murdered Becket inside the Canterbury Cathedral in December 1170.
Saint Thomas a Becket Entombed in Canterbury Cathedral
Canonized as a saint in 1173 after reports of miracles occurring at his burial site.
Common site for pilgrims seeking healing and other miracles.
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