Synopses & Reviews
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Synopsis
Perhaps the most famous text remaining in Middle English, this tells the stories told by a party of pilgrims journeying from London to the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. Chaucer offers a tableau of life in 14th-century England.
Synopsis
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.
Join Chaucer's band of pilgrims on their journey in CliffsNotes on The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer's narrators represent a wide spectrum of society with various ranks and occupations. From the distinguished and noble Knight, to the pious abbess, the honorable Clerk, the rich landowner, the worldly and crude Wife, and on down the scale to the low, vulgar Miller and Carpenter, and the corrupt Pardoner.
Let this study guide reveal Chaucer's genius at understanding basic human nature as reflected in his tales. You'll also gain insight into the background and influences of the author. Other features that help you study include
- Character analyses of major players
- A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
- Critical essays
- A review section that tests your knowledge
- A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites
Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.
About the Author
A Fullbright scholar at the University of Vienna, JAMES L. ROBERTS was Professor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He taught extensively at major universities throughout the world.
Table of Contents
Life and Background of the Author.
Introduction to the Tales.
Critical Commentaries.
The Prologue.
The Knight's Tale.
The Miller's Prologue and Tale.
The Reeve's Prologue and Tale.
The Cook's Prologue and Tale.
The Man of Law's Prologue and Tale.
The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale.
The Friar's Prologue and Tale.
The Summoner's Prologue and Tale.
The Clerk's Prologue and Tale.
The Merchant's Prologue and Tale.
The Squire's Prologue and Tale.
The Franklin's Prologue and Tale.
The Physician's Tale.
The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale.
The Shipman's Tale.
The Prioress' Prologue and Tale.
Chaucer's Tale of Sir Topas.
The Tale of Melibee.
The Monk's Tale.
The Nun's Priest's Tale.
The Second Nun's Prologue and Tale.
The Canon's Yeoman's Prologue and Tale.
The Manciple's Prologue and Tale.
The Parson's Prologue and Tale.
Chaucer's Retraction.
Character Analyses.
Critical Essays.
CliffsNotes Review.
CliffsNotes Resource Center.
Index.