Prologue 

The famous first lines of The Canterbury Tales place the reader in a world of springing, delighted freshness. In this landscape of sweet rains and stirring birds, religious <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Symbols & Motifs" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-canterbury-tales/symbols-and-motifs/#176562">pilgrimage</a> appears as much a part of nature as the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Symbols & Motifs" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-canterbury-tales/symbols-and-motifs/#176563">spring</a> itself. Even in what might seem to be purely spiritual behavior, the pilgrims of the Tales are driven by animal nature—a sly, affectionate theme that develops throughout the stories.

In this tongue-in-cheek passage, <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-canterbury-tales/major-character-analysis/#176535">Chaucer</a> justifies recounting the pilgrim’s stories—rudeness, lewdness, and all—with examples both Biblical and classical. There’s humor here, but also a serious point. Chaucer is attempting to capture how people really are, and he’s not going to leave anything out. There’s a further hint of mischief in the phrase “if he remembers it”: Perhaps even this “accurate” portrayal will employ a touch of artistic license.

“The Knight’s Tale”

After the high drama of the three would-be lovers’ visits to the gods’ temples in “The Knight’s Tale,” <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-canterbury-tales/major-character-analysis/#176537">the Knight</a> comically deflates the tension with this petty squabble between Venus and Mars who have promised their petitioners conflicting boons. In this vision of the world—chivalrous and romantic though it is—everyone ultimately is human—even the gods.

“The Miller’s Tale”

“The Cook’s Tale”

“The Man of Law’s Tale”

“The Shipman’s Tale”

“The Prioress’s Tale”

“Chaucer’s Tale"

“The Monk’s Tale”

“The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”

“The Physician’s Tale”

“The Pardoner’s Tale”

“The Wife of Bath’s Tale”

“The Friar’s Tale”

“The Summoner’s Tale”

“The Clerk’s Tale”

“The Merchant’s Tale”

“The Squire’s Tale” 

“The Franklin’s Tale”

“The Second Nun’s Tale”

“The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale” 

“The Manciple’s Tale” 

“The Parson’s Tale”

Literary Area of Study

British Literature

Fiction

Historical Fiction

Relationships

Marriage

Historic & Literary Period

Medieval Literature / Middle Ages

Poetry

Novels & Books in Verse

Sexuality

Pride Month Reads

Required Reading Lists

Genres

Satire

Book Events

Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love

Geoffrey Chaucer

Adult

Novel/Book in Verse

Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore The Canterbury Tales reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About The Canterbury Tales

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Canterbury Tales and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Canterbury Tales Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue–“Chaucer’s Tales”

The Canterbury Tales Prologue–“Chaucer’s Tales” Summary & Analysis

“The Monk’s Tale”–“The Pardoner’s Tale”

The Canterbury Tales “The Monk’s Tale”–“The Pardoner’s Tale” Summary & Analysis

“The Wife of Bath’s Tale”–“Chaucer’s Retractions”

The Canterbury Tales “The Wife of Bath’s Tale”–“Chaucer’s Retractions” Summary & Analysis

The Canterbury Tales

Important Quotes

Related Titles

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