Transmedia Essay: Canterbury Tales

Canterbury Tales

Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer evokes the idea that one's characteristics doesn't necessarily equate to reputation. Through the use of a satirical tone, Chaucer implies that society's expectations are barely met through quotas, or not at all. By usage of irony, frame, and characterization, the author conveys the concept of a 'two side to a coin' scenario where characteristics are far off from status. 

The story takes the tales of people of different status and creates a work unlike anything before: a melting pot. Through the tales of assorted people, Chaucer differentiates status and classes.

Chaucer creates a work that essentially portrays that of character and reputation. We see the difference between the characters and their reputation. Because of the difference in status, the characters are put in critical sub-bubbles. Chaucer implies a "fight, play, and work;" the aristocrats that fight, the middle-class that pray, and the lower class that work for the scraps tossed over.

We see an abundant usage of tone, diction, and satire/irony. The usage changes between the characters. 

Chaucer’s diction conveys that of appreciation for the monk. Unlike the others he criticized for being unlike their reputations, Chaucer uses satire to essentially tell his readers that although the monk has done something different from what he’s told to do, he has done no wrong.

“He let go by the things of yesterday

And took the modern world’s more spacious way...”

“....And I agreed and said his views were sound;”

The portrayal of that of the Friar, on the other hand, takes a different approach to the tone. Chaucer criticizes the Friar for doing something that harmed others: stealing. 



The characters have essentially come together to go to a Pilgrimage. Different people with completely distinct backgrounds, careers, and social status all unite in company as they complete a single task: travel to Canterbury.