Chaucer Representation of Marriage, Christianity, and Class

At a time when society seemed unchangeable and taken for granted, Geoffrey Chaucer questioned. His cunning Canterbury tales, written between 1387 and 1400, looks at medieval life from every angle, including character from nearly every class and opinion. The "Tales" tell of a diverse group of strangers on a pilgrimage to Canterbury that have taken part in a game in which each tells a tale, the most amusing winning a free dinner. This form proves successful by providing insight into each character's traits; including many different or subdued feelings often revealed through Chaucer's satirical style of writing. Chaucer displays the actuality of marriage, Christianity, and class distinction of the time.

Throughout the medieval period, courtly love and marriage were based on male dominancy and true devotion. Chaucer, however, is quick to draw attention to a female point of view in his...