Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales：乔叟的“坎特伯雷故事集.pptx

I. Geoffrey Chaucer (Finally – an author whose name we know!) ? Often called the “ Father of English Poetry ”? Born sometime around 1343; died sometime around 1400 ? Well connected ? A public servant ? Comptroller of customs ? Justice of the peace ? Member of Parliament ? Trade/diplomatic missions Death – ca. 1400 – Poets ’ Corner II. Canterbury Tales Manuscripts ? Many manuscripts survive ? None are in Chaucer ’s hand III. The Canterbury Tales – The Basics ? plete ? only 24 of an intended 100 tales written ? no set order ? Frame Narrative ? Frame tale of a pilgrimage to Canterbury ? Pilgrims tell tales (2 on way there, 2 on way back) to pass the time IV. Pilgrimages and Their Purpose ? Pilgrimage : a journey to a sacred, holy place or shrine ? Pilgrim : a person who makes a pilgrimage ? Common Reasons: ? Improve chances of salvation ? Be healed ? Atone for sins V. Canterbury and Thomas Becket V. Canterbury and Thomas Becket V. Canterbury and Thomas Becket VI. Social Class Structure ? Feudalism ? King grants land to lords ? Lords give fiefs to knights and squires ? Serfs ? Urban Society ? Includes characters like ? Merchant ? Sergeant-at-arms ? Oxford Cleric ? Wife of Bath VI. Social Class Structure ? Social Classes ? Clergy –“ those who pray ”? Regular clergy ? Secular clergy ? Other ? Summoners ? Pardoners ? Nobility –“ those who fight ”? Commoners –“ those who work ”? Freemen ? Serfs