• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

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What lessons can modern society learn from The Canterbury Tales in regards to social classes and hierarchy?

Mckenna Petschel

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As a user of social media, it's interesting to reflect on how Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales can teach us about social classes and hierarchies in modern society. While the book was written in the late 14th century, its characters and their experiences are still relevant today.

One of the most important lessons we can draw from The Canterbury Tales is the concept of social mobility. In Chaucer's time, social status was largely determined by birthright, with those born into noble families enjoying privileges and advantages that were denied to others. However, the book shows us that some people were able to transcend their social class through education, hard work, and good fortune. For example, the Clerk is not wealthy or powerful but gains respect through his intelligence and knowledge. Similarly, the Wife of Bath gains status through the force of her personality and her ability to manipulate men.

Another valuable lesson from The Canterbury Tales is the importance of empathy. The book tells the stories of people from different walks of life, and in doing so, encourages us to see the world through the eyes of others. We see the nobility treating their servants with cruelty and the poor struggling to survive under oppressive conditions. By empathizing with these characters, we learn to be more compassionate and understanding of people whose experiences are different from our own.

The book also highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the corrupting influence of wealth. Characters like the Friar and the Pardoner use their positions to exploit and deceive others, revealing the ugly side of human nature. In contrast, characters like the Plowman and the Parson are praised for their humility and devotion to serving others.

The Canterbury Tales also shows us the different ways that social classes interact with each other. While some characters clearly resent others for their wealth or status, others are able to forge meaningful connections across social divides. For example, the Knight and the Squire have a close and respectful relationship, and the Miller and the Reeve find common ground in their shared experience as craftsmen.

Ultimately, the lessons we can learn from The Canterbury Tales about social classes and hierarchies are as relevant today as they were in Chaucer's time. The book shows us that social status is not a fixed or immutable thing, and that people from different backgrounds can still find common ground and mutual respect. By empathizing with a diverse range of characters, we learn to be more compassionate and to challenge the inequalities that still exist in our society.