What is the main narrative of "The Canterbury Tales"?

What is the main narrative of "The Canterbury Tales"?

• A. A group of scholars discussing philosophy
• B. A varied group of pilgrims telling stories
• C. A collection of moral lessons
• D. A historical account of England

Answer: (B)

The main narrative of "The Canterbury Tales" revolves around a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral who each tell stories along the way. Geoffrey Chaucer crafted this collection as a frame narrative, where the overarching journey serves as a backdrop for a variety of tales, each reflecting the individual characters' personalities, social classes, and life experiences. This storytelling format not only entertains but also provides insights into the social norms and moral dilemmas of the time, contributing to the richness and complexity of the work. The blend of humor, satire, and serious themes in the tales highlights the multifaceted nature of human experience, making the portrayal of the pilgrims and their stories central to the narrative structure.

The main narrative of "The Canterbury Tales" revolves around a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral who each tell stories along the way. Geoffrey Chaucer crafted this collection as a frame narrative, where the overarching journey serves as a backdrop for a variety of tales, each reflecting the individual characters' personalities, social classes, and life experiences. This storytelling format not only entertains but also provides insights into the social norms and moral dilemmas of the time, contributing to the richness and complexity of the work. The blend of humor, satire, and serious themes in the tales highlights the multifaceted nature of human experience, making the portrayal of the pilgrims and their stories central to the narrative structure.