Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's magnum opus presents a critical and ironic portrayal of 14th-century English society, especially targeting the Church. The narrative unfolds as a storytelling contest among a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey, resembling the structure of The Decameron, which Chaucer likely encountered during his diplomatic mission to Italy in 1372. Through the tales and character descriptions, the work explores various social themes and human experiences, making it a rich commentary on the era.