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Who were the intended audiences for The Canterbury Tales and did they connect with the stories being told?

Andra Labbati

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The Canterbury Tales is a literary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and minds of many readers over the centuries. Written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, this collection of tales was intended for a diverse audience that included people from different social backgrounds and occupations. The Canterbury Tales has something for everyone, and the tales were told with the intention of connecting with the diverse audience.

The intended audiences for The Canterbury Tales were people from different walks of life, ranging from nobility to commoners. Chaucer intended his tales to be enjoyed by all, and he wrote them in a style that would connect with everyone. The Canterbury Tales covers a wide range of subjects, including love, morality, and social commentary, and these themes resonated with people of all social classes. As the narrator of the tales points out, the audience for The Canterbury Tales is heterogeneous, as he notes, "they were a mixed company, some of high degree and some of low, and yet all of them were entertained" (General Prologue, line 24). The tales are accessible to all, and they were written with the intention of entertaining and educating readers from all backgrounds.

One reason why The Canterbury Tales connects with audiences is the relatable characters and their stories. The stories told by the pilgrims are diverse, yet they all share the common thread of being relatable to the human experience. For example, the Knight's Tale tells the story of two knights who fall in love with the same woman, and their rivalry threatens to tear the kingdom apart. This tale highlights the all-too-human emotions of jealousy, love, and honor. The characters in the tale are recognizably human, and their struggles resonate with readers across generations.

Another reason why The Canterbury Tales connects with audiences is the vivid descriptions of the characters and settings. Chaucer's use of language brings the tales to life, painting a vivid picture in readers' minds. For example, in the Miller's Tale, the characters are described in intricate detail, from the "miller's beard as big as a spade," to the "knight as courteous as he was bold." These descriptions allow readers to visualize the characters and settings, immersing them in the tales.

One of the most significant ways in which The Canterbury Tales connects with audiences is through its social commentary. Chaucer uses the tales to critique the flaws and hypocrisies of medieval society. For example, in the Nun's Priest's Tale, Chaucer satirizes the pretensions of the clergy, poking fun at their hypocrisy and greed. He also highlights the abuse of power by those in positions of authority in the Pardoner's Tale. Through these tales and many others, Chaucer exposes the flaws of medieval society, urging readers to consider the impact of their actions on others.

In conclusion, The Canterbury Tales was intended for a wide range of audiences and written in a style that connects with different people. The relatable characters and stories, vivid descriptions, and social commentary all contribute to the enduring popularity of these tales. As Chaucer himself notes, "that's why I made these tales, as I best could," (General Prologue, line 28) to entertain and educate readers of all backgrounds. The Canterbury Tales remains a timeless classic that has resonated with readers for centuries, and it continues to connect with audiences today.