Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a masterpiece of medieval literature. It follows a group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury, using a frame narrative to weave together diverse stories and characters.

The tales explore themes like social hierarchy, religious corruption, and gender roles. Through the pilgrimage motif, Chaucer creates a microcosm of medieval English society, allowing for rich social commentary and character development.

Structure and Narrative Framework

Structure of The Canterbury Tales

• General Prologue introduces 29 pilgrims at Tabard Inn sets stage for journey
• Frame narrative centers on pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral shrine of Thomas Becket
• Storytelling contest proposed by innkeeper Harry Bailey with prize of free meal
• 24 tales told by pilgrims represent diverse literary genres (romance, fabliau)
• Links between tales provide narrative transitions and pilgrim commentary
• Unfinished work originally planned for 120 tales two per pilgrim on round trip

Function of frame narrative

• Provides realistic context for diverse range of tales from varied narrators
• Reveals pilgrim personalities through tale choices and interactions (Knight's chivalric romance)
• Enables social commentary by contrasting classes (Miller's bawdy tale follows Knight's)
• Unifies disparate stories into cohesive work maintains reader engagement
• Allows Chaucer's voice through narrator for meta-commentary on storytelling craft

Themes and Symbolism

Major themes in Canterbury Tales

• Social hierarchy critiques nobility and clergy through varied character portrayals
• Religious corruption exposes hypocrisy in figures like the Pardoner and Summoner
• Gender roles challenge traditions through characters like the Wife of Bath
• Love and marriage explore dynamics from courtly romance to troubled partnerships
• Morality and ethics examine human virtues and vices through exemplary tales
• Power and authority highlight struggles between societal groups (church vs state)

Significance of pilgrimage motif

• Physical journey from London to Canterbury represents life's spiritual quest
• Diverse pilgrim group creates social microcosm of medieval English society
• Unifying device brings together characters from different backgrounds
• Religious symbolism of Canterbury as holy destination connects to Christian traditions
• Narrative framework justifies collection of diverse tales enables character interactions