56 pages • 1 hour read
Geoffrey ChaucerThe Canterbury Tales
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1400A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket engage in a storytelling competition suggested by the Host, who promises a banquet to the best storyteller. Each pilgrim tells a tale, and their stories reflect a broad spectrum of medieval life and values, often through humorous and satirical lenses. The narrative includes themes of intense religious belief, sexuality, greed, and casual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is celebrated for its vivid storytelling, rich characterizations, and insight into medieval life. Praised for its humor and keen social commentary, the archaic language and dense prose can be challenging for modern readers. Nonetheless, it remains a landmark in English literature and a must-read for its historical and literary significance.
Who Should Read The Canterbury Tales?
A reader who enjoys The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer likely appreciates classic literature, medieval history, and social satire. They might also enjoy collections of interconnected stories and character-driven narratives like Boccaccio's The Decameron or Shakespeare's plays. Such a reader values rich language, cultural insights, and moral exploration.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
500LBook Details
Classic Fiction
Satire
Narrative / Epic Poem
Relationships: Marriage
Identity: Sexuality
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Medieval Literature / Middle Ages