The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer Video

• Watch the video provided.
• Write three facts about Chaucer and his work.

History of Language Video

• Watch from 0:00 to 2:17
• Write two things you learned about the history of the English language as it relates to FRANCE.

Medieval Period Video

• Watch the video
• Write down the #1 reason you are happy you don't live in the Medieval period that they mention.

Chaucer Background

• Born 1340?- Died 1400
• Survived Black Plague/Death
• Merchant father sent him to be Page
• Member of Parliament became knight of the shire, soldier, diplomat
• Older-out of favor-closer to poverty
• Buried in Westminster Abbey
• *Wrote in English-made respectable*

Middle English

• Chaucer wrote in Middle English, the language of the commoners in the 1300s.
• Most authors wrote in French-the language of the monarchy
• Middle English evolved from Old English
• French influence caused shorter vowel sounds and new vocabulary

Historical Context

• Social hierarchy- nobility, peasants
• Language associated with class- French (nobility), Middle English (peasants)
• Black Death- contagious disease that killed 1/3 of Europe's population
• Hundred Year's War- fight between English and France
• Pilgrimage- religious voyage made to a holy place or shrine