SOCIAL CLASSES IN THE CANTERBURY TALES
Keywords:
Keywords: Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, Social Classes, Medieval Society, Hierarchy, Satire, Humor, Social Mobility, Gender Roles, Wealth and Morality.Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the representation of social classes in Geoffrey Chaucer’s
The Canterbury Tales, focusing on how the work mirrors the hierarchical structure of
late medieval English society. Chaucer introduces a diverse cast of characters from
various social backgrounds, including nobility, clergy, merchants, artisans, and
peasants, offering a detailed and multifaceted depiction of the social order. Each
character’s story and behavior reflect their social rank, illustrating the values,
ambitions, and challenges unique to their class.
The analysis explores how Chaucer employs humor, irony, and satire to critique
social conventions, reveal hypocrisy, and expose the tensions existing among different
social groups. Through the interactions of characters during the pilgrimage, the text
reveals both the rigid structure and the potential for social mobility in medieval
England. Additionally, the tales shed light on contemporary perspectives regarding
wealth, education, gender roles, and morality, providing insight into the everyday
experiences and beliefs of people across social strata.
Ultimately, The Canterbury Tales is not only a literary achievement but also a
valuable historical source that illuminates the intricacies of medieval social hierarchies.
Chaucer’s work continues to impact modern literary studies and social thought,
underlining the importance of understanding class relations through literature.
References
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