Product Overview
The Canterbury Tales: A Window To Medieval Life
Through a series of tales told by Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, Chaucer provides commentary on 14th Century English life--and touches on themes that are timeless.
Ordering Books for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for The Canterbury Tales now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of The Canterbury Tales
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of The Canterbury Tales is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
This scholarly but very readable verse version is a book both you and your classes will enjoy. Give your students an introduction to any number of genres, themes, and linguistic styles with selections such as "The General Prologue," "The Knight's Tale," "The Miller's Prologue," "The Miller's Tale," "The Wife of Bath's Prologue," "The Wife of Bath's Tale," "The Pardoner's Prologue," "The Pardoner's Tale," "The Nun's Priest's Prologue," and "The Nun's Priest's Tale."
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
We also offer the Penguin Classic Coghill translation edition of The Canterbury Tales here on the website. If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN, and we'll check the availability for you.
If you are reading The Canterbury Tales with students who need a simplified version, contact us, and we'll help you find one that is appropriate for your situation.
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About the Book The Canterbury Tales |
Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a foundational work of English literature, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society through a series of stories narrated by a diverse group of pilgrims traveling from London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The overarching point of this collection is to provide insight into the human condition, highlighting themes of love, morality, and social class. By giving voice to characters from various walks of life, Chaucer creates a microcosm of 14th-century England, exploring the virtues and vices that define humanity. Through humor, satire, and moral lessons, The Canterbury Tales encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and societal norms, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today. Here is a brief summary of some key tales: The General Prologue: The narrative begins with the General Prologue, where Chaucer introduces the diverse cast of characters, including the Knight, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, and many others. Each character's portrait provides insight into their social status, personality, and moral compass. The Knight's Tale: The Knight's Tale is a chivalric romance that tells the story of two knights, Arcite and Palamon, who fall in love with the same woman, Emily. Their rivalry leads to a dramatic conclusion, exploring themes of love, honor, and destiny. The Miller's Tale: In stark contrast, The Miller's Tale is a bawdy and comedic fabliau. It revolves around a carpenter named John, his young wife Alison, and her lovers Nicholas and Absolon. This tale is a humorous critique of social norms and human folly. The Wife of Bath's Tale: The Wife of Bath's Tale delves into themes of power and gender. A knight must discover what women truly desire to save his life, ultimately learning lessons about equality and respect in relationships. The Pardoner's Tale: The Pardoner's Tale is a moral fable that warns against greed. Three men set out to kill Death but find a treasure instead, leading to betrayal and their eventual demise.
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Themes in the book The Canterbury Tales |
Social Commentary: Chaucer provides a vivid social commentary on the various classes and occupations in 14th-century England. Through satire and irony, he critiques the Church, the aristocracy, and common folk alike, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of human nature. Love and Relationships: Many tales explore different facets of love and relationships, from the courtly love in The Knight's Tale to the more carnal desires in The Miller's Tale. Chaucer examines how love can drive human behavior in both noble and base ways. Power and Authority: Power dynamics are central to several tales. The Wife of Bath's Tale, in particular, examines the balance of power in marriage and questions traditional gender roles. Similarly, The Pardoner's Tale critiques the corrupting influence of power and greed. Morality and Redemption: Chaucer's characters often grapple with moral dilemmas, and the tales frequently serve as moral lessons. The Pardoner's Tale and The Clerk's Tale, for example, delve into themes of virtue, sin, and the possibility of redemption.
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Activity Ideas for the book The Canterbury Tales |
Character Analysis: Have students create detailed character maps for the pilgrims introduced in the General Prologue. This exercise can help them understand the diverse perspectives and social commentary Chaucer offers. Interactive Storytelling: Encourage students to write and share their own "modern-day" pilgrim tales. This activity helps them connect with Chaucer's narrative style and themes while fostering creativity and empathy. Theme Exploration: Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific theme (e.g., love, power, morality). Have them analyze how this theme is presented in different tales and present their findings to the class. Multimedia Projects: Leverage multimedia by assigning students to create visual or audio adaptations of selected tales. This can include short films, podcasts, or illustrated storyboards, making the text more accessible and engaging. Contextual Research: Encourage students to research the historical and cultural context of 14th-century England. Understanding the societal backdrop can deepen their appreciation of Chaucer's work and its enduring relevance.
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