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Chaucer's Canterbury Tales — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores Geoffrey Chaucer and his influential work, The Canterbury Tales, a masterpiece written in late 14th-century England. The text introduces students to Chaucer, his use of vernacular English, and the innovative structure of his tales, which feature a diverse group of pilgrims sharing stories during their journey to Canterbury. Students will learn how The Canterbury Tales provides valuable social commentary on medieval English society, bridges the gap between medieval and Renaissance literature, and contributes to the development of English as a literary language. The passage includes primary source references, discusses social hierarchy, and explains Chaucer's significance in world history. Activities and assessments are aligned with CA HSS 7.8 and CCSS RH.6-8.2, and the resource offers read aloud audio and a Spanish translation for accessibility.

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Folio 153v of the Ellesmere Chaucer with an illustration of Chaucer — "The Ellesmere Chaucer with an illustration of Chaucer" / Wikimedia Commons.

Geoffrey Chaucer is recognized as one of the most important figures in English literary history. Born in London in the early 1340s, Chaucer lived during a period of great change in Europe. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, was written between 1387 and 1400. This collection of stories became a turning point in English literature and offers a unique look into society on the edge of the Renaissance.

The Canterbury Tales begins with a group of thirty pilgrims preparing to travel from London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim comes from a different background, including a knight, a miller, a prioress, and a cook. On their journey, they agree to tell stories to pass the time. This storytelling contest allows Chaucer to explore different parts of medieval society and to use humor, irony, and social commentary to reveal the values, habits, and conflicts of the time. For example, the "Wife of Bath" tells a story that challenges ideas about women and marriage, while the "Pardoner" reveals corruption within the church. These tales are based on observations from Chaucer’s own experiences as a traveler, diplomat, and royal official.

One of Chaucer’s greatest achievements was his decision to write in vernacular English rather than Latin or French, which were commonly used by scholars. This made the stories more accessible to ordinary people in England. The language Chaucer used was Middle English, which sounds quite different from modern English but was the everyday language of his audience. The Ellesmere Manuscript, an illuminated copy of the text from around 1410, provides evidence of how these tales were read and shared in the medieval period.

The Canterbury Tales also reflects the growing changes of the Renaissance. While the tales are set in the Middle Ages, they show new ideas about individuals and society that were spreading across Europe. Chaucer’s characters are complex and realistic, and his stories question old traditions and encourage critical thinking. This shift connects The Canterbury Tales to broader changes in art, science, and literature, making it a bridge between medieval and Renaissance worlds.

The impact of The Canterbury Tales was far-reaching. It helped establish English as a respected literary language and provided a detailed picture of English life in the late 1300s. Chaucer’s use of humor, irony, and storytelling inspired later writers. Today, historians and students study The Canterbury Tales not just for its entertainment but for the insights it gives into the lives and beliefs of people living at a time of great change. It remains a symbol of how literature can both reflect and shape society.

This study of Chaucer’s work connects to wider themes in world history, such as the development of language, the rise of new ideas during the Renaissance, and the role of literature in society.

Interesting Fact: The first printed edition of The Canterbury Tales appeared in 1476, just decades after the invention of the printing press, helping the stories reach even more readers.

Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?

Geoffrey ChaucerWilliam ShakespeareThomas BecketKing Henry II

What language did Chaucer use?

LatinMiddle EnglishFrenchOld Norse

Where were the pilgrims traveling?

RomeParisCanterburyLondon

Why did Chaucer use vernacular English?

To sound more formalTo reach common peopleIt was required by lawHe did not know Latin

What is social commentary?

A type of foodWriting about society's problemsA church ceremonyA style of art

How did The Canterbury Tales influence literature?

It promoted LatinIt used only poetryIt made English respectedIt ignored society