Sep 16, 2009 10:09 PM
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(Updated Jun 04, 2010 09:08 AM)
As a part of my M.A syllabus which included Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", I was first of all struck by the sheer size of the poem.
Sometimes called the father of English literature, Chaucer is credited by some scholars as the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of the vernacular English language, rather than French or Latin.
Although the English translation was available, I enjoyed the 14th century english verse better .
The setting is of the annual pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral usually undertaken after the dull and hard winter passes away in the bright summer season with the promise of good health and cheer.
Chaucer in the'General prologue' begins by a vivid and detailed description of all cross sections of the society prevalent in those times often commenting sarcastically on the evils of deceit, corruption and greed against the backdrop of a religious journey which supposedly cleansed sins.
From the royalty to the artisans, nobles to the craftsmen, people employed by the king to the women and nuns, Chaucer offers witty decriptions of the styles, dresses and character of each person.
His observation and attention to detail makes the the poem very enjoyable. All the characters assemble at the Tabard's Inn and the inn-keeper suggests they narrate a tale each to pass away the time.
One by one the stories unfold with a moral at the end and although they are all enjoyable, the one I enjoyed the most is "Nun's Priest's Tale" .
Canterbury Tales contrasts with other literature of the period in the naturalism of its narrative, the variety of stories the pilgrims narrate and the varied characters who are engaged in the pilgrimage.
Many of the stories narrated by the pilgrims seem to fit their individual characters and social standing, show the keenness with which Chaucer shared his own real life experiences .
Go ahead and for a change read a thoroughly enjoyable poem mostly in a narrative form for its sheer length.
