• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

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What impact did The Canterbury Tales have on the progression of literature and culture in the Middle Ages?

Hiram Woodhead

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is undeniably among the most significant literary creations of the Middle Ages. Written in the late 14th century, the collection of stories narrated by a diverse group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral not only showcases Chaucer's remarkable poetic skills but also revolutionized the literature and culture of the time.

One of the most notable impacts of The Canterbury Tales was its role in the development of the English language. Through his use of Middle English, Chaucer breathed life into a previously marginalized and relatively obscure dialect. Chaucer effectively transformed Middle English into a literary language, elevating it to the same level as French, which had been the language of the literary elite before that.

In addition to the language revolution, The Canterbury Tales also influenced the evolution of literature during the Middle Ages. Prior to Chaucer's work, literature was primarily written for the upper classes and typically dealt with cultural and political subjects. However, The Canterbury Tales provided a fascinating insight into the lives of ordinary people from various walks of life. Chaucer cleverly used his characters to examine contemporary issues of the day, including the role of women in society, the definition of marriage, and the corrupting influence of the church.

Moreover, the tales themselves were unique in their form. Composed of stories told by different characters, The Canterbury Tales gave birth to the literary genre of the "frame story" – a story within a story. This narrative technique quickly became popular and was extensively used by subsequent writers.

Finally, The Canterbury Tales also served as a catalyst for the development of a more robust and universally accessible culture throughout the Middle Ages. Chaucer's work allowed those who were not university-educated or part of the aristocracy to better understand and appreciate the literary and cultural productions of the time. In addition to this, the tales themselves present a broad range of characters, offering a glimpse into the lives and perspectives of people from different social classes, professions, and regions in England.

In conclusion, The Canterbury Tales were instrumental in shaping the course of literature and cultural progress in the Middle Ages. Chaucer's innovative and daring style has had an enduring impact, as has his ability to offer insights into the lives of ordinary people whilst presenting them in a literary form that is accessible and engaging to readers even today. The Canterbury Tales truly are a masterpiece of medieval literature, and their influence can still be felt in today's literature and culture.