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Geoffrey Chaucer’s iconic work, ‘The Canterbury Tales,’ holds a significant place in the history of English literature. Composed around 1387, this masterpiece encompasses a diverse collection of stories told by 29 pilgrims who converge at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. Chaucer, the poet, also joins this group. Their host proposes a storytelling contest, with each pilgrim sharing four tales during their journey to Canterbury and back. The teller of the best story would earn a free supper.

Regrettably, Chaucer couldn’t complete ‘The Canterbury Tales’ before his death, leaving it unfinished. Only 23 pilgrims share their stories, with a total of 24 tales, including two by Chaucer himself. The tales are interconnected by narratives exchanged between the pilgrims, prologues, and epilogues, although this aspect remains incomplete. Notable stories among these are ‘The Knight’s Tale’ and ‘The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.’

Chaucer’s work is celebrated for its abundant variety of humor, pathos, narrative styles, descriptions, dialogues, and digressions. As Edward Albert remarked, even in its unfinished state, it constitutes a vast collection of literary treasures, reflecting the tapestry of contemporary life.

‘The Canterbury Tales’ is a brilliant depiction of 14th-century English society, showcasing Chaucer’s vivid characters, keen observation, and enduring storytelling skills, making it a timeless masterpiece of English literature.