"The Canterbury Tales"

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer explains how "The Canterbury Tales" represents the transition of the old perspectives of the Middle Ages to the new perspectives of mercantilism and capitalism. The writer portrays how Chaucer uses sarcasm and satire as his primary method of describing this change. The writer shows how social order is imposed at every level in "The Knight's Tale" and how chivalry and ethical dilemmas are woven throughout "The Knight's Tale," while they are either disregarded or challenged in "The Merchant's Tale." The writer posits that "The Canterbury Tales" is still widely read because the message that we are now responsible for our own behavior and fate is as relevant today as it was when the book was written.

From the Paper:

"The Canterbury Tales represents the transition of the old perspectives of the Middle Ages to the new perspectives of mercantilism and capitalism. "The Merchant's Tale" can be considered a parody of the values espoused in "The Knight's Tale" in that it essentially mocks the underpinnings of the society on which "The Knight's Tale" is based. The Middle Ages were dominated by the hierarchical order of a ruling class whose status and power were inspired by divine preference. The King ruled by the grace of God, and the aristocracy of knights was also unquestionably established by divine choice. The rise of merchants and the spread of capitalism changed all of that. The emphasis on the next life was replaced by a new emphasis on the present life. Unquestioned authority based upon divine will was replaced by the new reality that men could make themselves whatever they wanted to be by using their talents and abilities as merchants."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Trans. Geraldine McCaughrean. Puffin: New York, 1997.

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