The unifying idea and quite obviously, the central theme of the poem is pilgrimage. Thirty travelers are off to give thanks to the martyr who helped them in their times of need. All acquainted characters are traveling to the Canterbury Cathedral for their own personal reasons, whether it be to satisfy their own religious and social needs, or to impress another. This theme carried throughout the poem can also be seen as an extended metaphor. Chaucer uses it as a device to show off his talent. Also, the pilgrimage can be seen as the journey we all make in our lives in attempts to find closure, the different characters representing the sundry people of society who strive for a greater good.

The introductory paragraph is brimming with examples of figurative language. Metaphors: ..".sweet showers fall And pierce the drought of March to the root," personification: .."Zephyrus with his...