Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers today. First written in the late 14th century, this collection of stories follows a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral, each telling their own tale along the way. From knights to millers, nuns to pardons, the pilgrims are a cross-section of medieval society.
Despite being banned at various points in history, “The Canterbury Tales” is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, insightful commentary on human nature, and a glimpse into medieval society. The book has been banned for its depictions of sex, violence, and religious figures, and one of the most famous controversies surrounding the book was its inclusion of the ribald and irreverent “Miller’s Tale,” which was deemed offensive by many. However, to simply dismiss the book as scandalous would be to overlook its true significance.
Chaucer’s work is a true reflection of the human experience, offering tales of love, adventure, tragedy, and comedy. Each story is unique in its own way and offers a rich, multifaceted perspective on life. From the Knight’s tale of chivalry and honor to the Miller’s ribald and irreverent tale, the variety of stories in this book is both fascinating and entertaining.
But what sets “The Canterbury Tales” apart from other works of literature is its ability to transcend time and space. While the stories are set in medieval England, the themes and lessons they offer are just as relevant today as they were over 600 years ago. The tales explore universal human experiences, such as love, loyalty, betrayal, greed, and pride. They also provide an insight into medieval society and culture, giving readers a glimpse into a world that is both foreign and familiar.
Whether you’re interested in history, literature, or simply love a good story, “The Canterbury Tales” has something to offer everyone. The tales are beautifully written, engaging, and thought-provoking. Chaucer’s characters are complex, flawed, and relatable, making the tales all the more poignant.
So why should you read “The Canterbury Tales“? Because it is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time, offering timeless themes and stories that continue to entertain and inspire readers today. It is a celebration of the power of storytelling, of the complexity of human nature, and of the enduring human spirit. So pick up a copy, settle in, and allow yourself to be transported to a world of knights, pilgrims, and tales of old. You won’t regret it.
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If you’re looking for a literary masterpiece that captures the full range of human experience, then “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer is a must-read. This collection of stories, told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral, features a wide range of themes and tones, from tragic to comic, and offers insightful commentary on human nature and medieval society. By clicking on the link provided, you can not only embark on a journey through medieval England, but also support me as a writer. So why wait? Follow the link and experience the power of storytelling for yourself. https://amzn.to/3ZWfjM9
Connecting The Fragments:
“The Canterbury Tales” is made up of 10 fragments, containing different stories. What connects all the fragments of The Canterbury Tales together is the frame narrative of a group of pilgrims traveling together to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The pilgrims, who come from different social classes and professions, take turns telling stories to pass the time during their journey. The tales they tell often reflect their individual personalities, interests, and perspectives, as well as the social and cultural context of late 14th-century England. Through the tales, Chaucer explores various themes and issues relevant to his time, such as love, honor, morality, religion, and social class. Additionally, the interactions and reactions of the pilgrims to each other’s tales provide insight into their characters and relationships. Overall, the frame narrative of the pilgrimage serves as a unifying structure for the collection of diverse stories and characters in The Canterbury Tales.
Fragment I:
General Prologue – A description of the various pilgrims who are traveling together to Canterbury, including their appearance, personalities, and social status.
The General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales serves as an introduction to the pilgrims who are traveling to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The narrator provides a detailed description of each character, including their physical appearance, dress, and personality traits. The characters are from different social classes and professions, ranging from the nobility to the working class.
The narrator presents a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. For example, the Knight is described as a valiant warrior who has fought in many battles, while the Pardoner is depicted as a corrupt and immoral clergyman who sells indulgences to people in exchange for money. The Miller is portrayed as a bawdy and vulgar individual who enjoys telling lewd stories, while the Clerk is a serious and studious scholar who loves books and learning.
Through the descriptions of the pilgrims, Chaucer provides a commentary on the society of his time, revealing the flaws and vices of different social classes. Overall, the General Prologue sets the stage for the tales that follow and offers a glimpse into the world of medieval England.
The Knight’s Tale – A story of two knights who fall in love with the same woman, and their subsequent battles to win her hand.
“The Knight’s Tale” is one of the longest and most complex stories in “The Canterbury Tales.” It tells the story of two knights, Arcite and Palamon, who are imprisoned in Athens after being captured in battle. While in prison, they both fall in love with the beautiful Emily, the sister of the queen.
Upon their release, they both return to Athens and continue their battle for Emily’s hand. The rivalry between Arcite and Palamon becomes increasingly intense, culminating in a dramatic jousting match in which Arcite emerges as the victor.
Despite winning Emily’s hand in marriage, Arcite dies suddenly, leaving Palamon to marry her instead. The story is filled with themes of love, honor, and destiny, and explores the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which they can shape our lives.
The Miller’s Tale – A comical story of a carpenter, his young wife, and a young clerk who both attempt to seduce her.
“The Miller’s Tale” is a comical and bawdy story that revolves around the character of John, a carpenter, who has a young and beautiful wife named Alison. Alison is desired by both a young scholar named Nicholas, who is staying with the carpenter as a lodger, and a local parish clerk named Absolon. Nicholas and Alison plot to have an affair, while Absolon also tries to win Alison’s affection.
Nicholas convinces John that a great flood is coming, and convinces him to prepare for it by hanging three large tubs from the rafters of the house. When John goes to bed, Nicholas and Alison have their affair in one of the tubs, while Absolon is outside serenading Alison. Absolon, angry at being rejected by Alison, decides to get revenge by tricking her. He goes to the window and asks for a kiss, but Alison sticks her backside out the window instead. Absolon, not realizing what he’s doing, kisses Alison’s rear end, and she responds by branding him with a hot poker. The story ends with a comical description of Absolon’s humiliation as he runs through the town, shouting for water to cool his burnt mouth.
The story is notable for its comic and bawdy elements, as well as its portrayal of women as objects of desire who are capable of manipulating men for their own ends.
The Reeve’s Tale –
A tale of two students who trick a dishonest miller and his wife out of their grain and their daughter’s virginity.
The Cook’s Tale – An unfinished story of a young apprentice cook who dreams of becoming a wealthy merchant.
The Cook’s Tale is a relatively short and unfinished story in The Canterbury Tales. The story begins with the introduction of a young apprentice cook named Perkyn who dreams of becoming a wealthy merchant. Despite his lack of experience and financial means, Perkyn decides to set out on a journey to make his fortune.
As Perkyn travels, he indulges in various vices, including drinking, gambling, and partying. He eventually runs out of money and is forced to take a job as a servant in a wealthy household. There, he continues to engage in his vices, even seducing the household’s daughter.
The story abruptly ends at this point, and it is unclear why Chaucer never completed it. Some scholars speculate that he may have intended to portray Perkyn’s eventual downfall and redemption, but this is uncertain. Despite its unfinished nature, The Cook’s Tale provides insight into the themes of social mobility, temptation, and morality that are prevalent throughout The Canterbury Tales.
Fragment II:
The Man of Law’s Tale – A story of a virtuous and patient wife who is falsely accused of a crime, and her eventual redemption.
The Man of Law’s Tale is a story about a young Syrian woman named Custance, who is known for her piety, beauty, and noble birth. She is married to the Sultan of Syria, but her mother-in-law and his other family members are jealous of her and conspire to have her sent away on a ship. Custance is eventually cast out to sea and ends up landing in Northumberland, where she is taken in by a knight named Alla.
Custance eventually marries Alla, but her mother-in-law is still determined to get rid of her. She arranges for Custance to be captured by pirates and sold as a slave to the Sultaness of Babylon. Despite her terrible circumstances, Custance remains faithful and virtuous, and her prayers are answered when a group of Christian knights, led by the Roman Emperor, rescue her.
The story ends happily with Custance being reunited with her husband and mother-in-law, who have been converted to Christianity, and Custance being praised for her faith and patience throughout her trials. The story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Fragment III:
The Wife of Bath’s Tale – A tale of a knight who rapes a young woman and is given a year to discover what women truly desire, leading him to learn about respect and love.
In “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” a knight is punished for raping a young woman by being given a year to discover what women truly desire. After much searching and contemplation, he learns from an old hag that women desire sovereignty over their husbands and the power to make their own decisions. The hag offers to help the knight escape his punishment if he agrees to marry her and do whatever she desires. Despite his reluctance, the knight agrees, and after their marriage, the hag asks him if he would prefer her to be beautiful and unfaithful, or ugly and faithful. The knight leaves the decision up to her, and she transforms into a beautiful and faithful wife. The tale ends with the hag’s wise words about what truly makes a happy marriage.
The Friar’s Tale – A story of a corrupt summoner who is fooled by a cunning devil, and the subsequent downfall of both the summoner and the friar who tells the story.
In “The Friar’s Tale,” a friar tells a story about a summoner who uses his position to extort money from people, but who is eventually tricked by a devil who convinces him to reveal the name of the man who gave him a bribe. The summoner ends up being dragged off to hell, and the friar, who had been critical of summoners, is also revealed to be corrupt and greedy. The story serves as a warning against greed and corruption in religious institutions.
The Summoner’s Tale – A revenge story about a friar who is tricked by a summoner, leading to a humorous and crude confrontation.
In “The Summoner’s Tale,” the summoner of the title is depicted as a corrupt and greedy official in the church. He is known for his abusive and threatening behavior, and often uses his power to extort money from people. One day, he encounters a young friar who challenges him to a contest to see who can tell the most outrageous tale. The summoner agrees, and tells a story about a friar who consorts with demons to gain wealth and power, but ultimately gets his comeuppance. The friar is angered by the story and responds with a tale of his own, in which a summoner is deceived and humiliated by a poor widow. The story is filled with bawdy humor and crude language, and ends with a violent confrontation between the two characters. Overall, “The Summoner’s Tale” is a satirical and humorous take on the corruption and hypocrisy of the church in Chaucer’s time.
Fragment IV:
The Clerk’s Tale – A tale of a patient and virtuous woman who is tested by her cruel husband, and her eventual triumph.
The Clerk’s Tale is a story of Griselda, a patient and virtuous woman who marries the Marquis of Saluzzo. The Marquis tests Griselda’s loyalty and obedience by taking away their two children and then divorcing her, claiming that he wants to marry a more noble woman. However, he eventually reveals that it was all a test of her devotion, and he reunites her with their children and makes her his queen. Despite the Marquis’ cruel treatment, Griselda remains loyal and obedient throughout the ordeal, and her virtue ultimately wins her triumph and happiness. The tale is often interpreted as a commentary on the roles of men and women in society, and the importance of virtues such as patience and humility.
The Merchant’s Tale – A story of a wealthy and aging knight who marries a young and beautiful bride, and the deceitful games that they play to try to outsmart each other.
In “The Merchant’s Tale,” the main character is January, a wealthy and aging knight who decides to marry a young and beautiful bride named May. Despite the age difference, January is confident that his wealth and power will keep his new wife happy and faithful. However, May has other plans and soon becomes involved in a secret affair with January’s squire, Damien.
January eventually becomes suspicious of his wife’s behavior and decides to construct a private garden where he can keep her under close watch. May and Damien continue their secret relationship, but are eventually caught in the garden by January, who is temporarily blinded by a stroke. May uses this opportunity to convince January that he was mistaken, and that what he saw was merely an illusion.
The story ends with January and May continuing to play their deceitful games with each other, while Damien is left to pine for May. The tale is a commentary on the power dynamics in marriage, as well as the folly of jealousy and trust.
Fragment V:
The Squire’s Tale – A fantastical tale of a young squire who goes on a journey to distant lands to find his love, encountering mythical creatures and challenges along the way.
The Squire’s Tale is a fantastical story of a young squire who embarks on a journey to distant lands to find his love, and along the way, he encounters various mythical creatures and faces numerous challenges. The tale begins with the squire telling of a kingdom in the far east ruled by a mighty king named Cambuscan, who possesses a magical ring that has the power to grant its wearer any wish they desire. The squire then proceeds to narrate the story of how the king’s daughter, Canacee, falls in love with a young knight named Algarsife.
Algarsife, in his quest to win Canacee’s love, sets out on a journey to seek the advice of various mythical creatures, including a giant, a dragon, and a griffin. Along the way, he faces various obstacles and battles, but ultimately succeeds in obtaining the knowledge he needs to win Canacee’s heart. The tale ends with the marriage of Algarsife and Canacee, and the squire concludes his story by saying that he wishes he could tell of all the other amazing adventures that he has heard, but time does not permit.
The Franklin’s Tale – A story of a virtuous and loving marriage that is tested by jealousy and revenge, but ultimately overcomes these challenges.
The Franklin’s Tale is a story of two knights, Arveragus and Aurelius, and the women they love, Dorigen and Aurelius’s sister. Arveragus and Dorigen have a loving marriage based on trust and mutual respect. Aurelius falls in love with Dorigen and she tells him that she will only love him if he can remove all the rocks from the dangerous coastline of Brittany. Aurelius agrees and hires a magician to create an illusion of the rocks disappearing, but Dorigen remains loyal to her husband and confesses to him what has happened. Arveragus, seeing Dorigen’s loyalty and the lengths Aurelius went to win her, forgives Aurelius and agrees to pay the debt. The story ends with all parties living happily ever after in a renewed sense of love and understanding. The tale emphasizes the importance of trust, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome challenges in marriage.
Fragment VI:
The Physician’s Tale – A tragic story of a virtuous and chaste woman who is killed by her cruel and jealous husband, and her subsequent canonization as a saint.
In the Physician’s Tale, the focus is on a young woman named Virginia, who is described as being extremely beautiful and virtuous. She is the daughter of a wealthy judge named Virginius. A powerful and wealthy man named Appius lusts after Virginia and comes up with a plan to take her for himself. Appius falsely accuses Virginia of being a slave girl, and convinces a corrupt judge to order her to be taken away from her father and given to him.
Desperate to save his daughter, Virginius pretends to agree to the judge’s order and takes Virginia home. He tells her the truth and convinces her to allow him to kill her rather than let her fall into the hands of Appius. Virginia agrees and Virginius kills her, presenting her head to the judge as proof that she was not a slave.
The story ends with the judge and the people of Rome being outraged by the injustice and cruelty of Appius and the corrupt judge. Appius is put to death and the judge resigns from his position. Virginia is later canonized as a saint and her story is told as an example of the virtue of chastity and the dangers of lust and jealousy.
The Pardoner’s Tale – A story of three young men who set out to find and kill Death, but are instead killed by their own greed and betrayal.
The Pardoner’s Tale begins with the pardoner preaching about the dangers of sin and the need for repentance. He then tells the story of three young men who set out to find and kill Death, believing that Death has taken one of their friends. Along the way, they meet an old man who tells them that they will find Death under a nearby tree. When they reach the tree, they find not Death but a pile of gold coins. They decide to stay there and guard the treasure until nightfall, but one of them goes into town to get food and drink. While he is gone, the other two conspire to kill him and split his share of the gold. The traitorous friends then poison themselves in a misguided attempt to keep the gold for themselves. The story ends with the pardoner urging his audience to avoid the sins of greed and betrayal.
Fragment VII:
The Shipman’s Tale – A tale of a scheming wife who tricks her wealthy husband into giving her control of his business, and the subsequent fall of both her and her lover.
“The Shipman’s Tale” tells the story of a wealthy merchant who is married to a young and beautiful wife. However, the wife is not satisfied with her husband and starts an affair with a young monk. The wife and the monk scheme to take control of the merchant’s business and wealth by tricking him into giving them his money and property.
The monk poses as a wealthy sea captain and offers to take the merchant on a voyage, but then throws him overboard and steals his cargo. The wife and the monk then use the stolen goods to start their own business and live a life of luxury. However, their deceitful actions eventually catch up with them, and they are punished for their greed and treachery.
The tale is known for its use of bawdy humor and its depiction of cunning and deception. It also explores themes of greed and betrayal, as well as the consequences of unethical behavior.
The Prioress’s Tale – A story of a young boy who is killed by Jews, and the miraculous intervention of the Virgin Mary to save him.
“The Prioress’s Tale” tells the story of a young Christian boy who sang a hymn in praise of the Virgin Mary as he walked through a Jewish ghetto. The Jews become angry and conspire to kill him by slitting his throat. However, the boy’s prayer to the Virgin Mary saves him from death and he continues to sing his hymn even with his throat slit. The story is notable for its anti-Semitic sentiment, portraying the Jews as cruel and vindictive, and for its emphasis on the power of the Virgin Mary.
Sir Thopas’ Tale – A comical and absurd tale of a knight who goes on a quest to find his love, encountering ridiculous and fantastical creatures along the way.
Sir Thopas’ Tale is a humorous and satirical story of a knight named Sir Thopas who sets out on a quest to find his love, an elf queen. Along the way, he encounters various fantastical creatures, such as giants and dragons, and engages in comical battles with them. Despite being a skilled fighter, Sir Thopas is often portrayed as foolish and clueless, with his love for the elf queen leading him to act in ridiculous ways. The story is written in a comical style, with exaggerated descriptions of Sir Thopas’ appearance and actions, making it a parody of the traditional medieval romance genre.
The Tale of Melibee – A story of a wealthy man who is advised by his wife and a wise friend to seek peace rather than revenge, following an attack on his family.
The Tale of Melibee is a moral story about a wealthy man named Melibee who, after being attacked by his enemies, is urged by his wife Prudence and a wise friend named Dame Prudence to choose peace instead of revenge. Prudence advises Melibee to consider the consequences of seeking revenge and to use his reason and intelligence to come to a peaceful resolution.
Melibee initially resists the advice, but Prudence offers him a series of arguments and examples to persuade him. She cites stories from the Bible and history to demonstrate the folly and danger of vengeance, and urges Melibee to be patient, forgiving, and merciful.
After much discussion and reflection, Melibee eventually agrees to pursue peace and forgiveness, and he sends Prudence to negotiate a settlement with his enemies. Prudence skillfully negotiates a settlement that satisfies both sides and ensures a lasting peace.
The Tale of Melibee is known for its emphasis on reason, wisdom, and forgiveness, and its depiction of a strong and intelligent female character in Dame Prudence. It is also notable for its use of allegory and its influence on later works of literature.
The Monk’s Tale – A series of tragic stories about the downfall of various historical figures, intended to teach moral lessons about the dangers of pride and ambition.
The Monk’s Tale is a collection of short biographical sketches of famous historical figures, including kings, emperors, and popes, who all experienced a tragic end. The tales are meant to illustrate the destructive consequences of pride and ambition.
The stories range from ancient times to the medieval era and include well-known figures such as Julius Caesar, Samson, Nero, and Alexander the Great. Each tale is brief, emphasizing the key events that led to the downfall of each figure. The narrative is told in a serious and somber tone, highlighting the theme of the inevitability of death and the transience of human life.
Despite its moralizing tone, the tales are also full of historical inaccuracies and embellishments, reflecting the medieval tradition of moral allegory rather than strict historical accuracy. The Monk’s Tale is a fascinating example of the medieval genre of moralizing literature, which sought to instruct readers in virtuous living through tales of caution and exemplary behavior.
The Nun’s Priest’s Tale – A humorous tale of a rooster named Chauntecleer who outwits a wily fox that tries to capture him.
The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is a humorous and lively story that tells of a proud and handsome rooster named Chauntecleer who lives on a farm with his hens. One day, he has a dream in which he is attacked by a fox. His favorite hen, Pertelote, dismisses his fears and mocks him for being afraid of a mere dream. However, the next day, a cunning and sly fox named Reynard comes to the farm and lures Chauntecleer out of the coop with flattery and lies.
As Reynard prepares to pounce on Chauntecleer, the rooster outwits him by flattering him in turn, leading the fox to open his mouth and allowing Chauntecleer to fly away to safety. The fox then chases the rooster around the yard in a comical scene, but Chauntecleer is able to outsmart him at every turn until the other farm animals hear the commotion and come to his aid. The fox is eventually caught and punished, while Chauntecleer and the other animals celebrate their victory.
The tale is known for its clever use of animal characters to teach moral lessons about the dangers of pride and flattery. It is also notable for its lively and entertaining style, which includes vivid descriptions of the rooster’s crowing and the fox’s sly tricks.
Fragment VIII:
The Second Nun’s Tale – The Second Nun’s Tale is a religious story that tells the tale of Saint Cecilia, a young woman who was martyred for her faith during the early Christian period.
The story begins with a brief history of Rome and the reign of Emperor Alexander. Cecilia was a young woman living in Rome during this time, and she had made a vow to remain a virgin and devote her life to God. Despite her noble lineage, Cecilia was not interested in earthly wealth or material possessions. Instead, she devoted her life to prayer and good works, and she soon became known as a holy woman throughout the city.
Cecilia’s steadfast faith soon drew the attention of the emperor and his officials, who viewed Christianity as a threat to their authority. They ordered Cecilia to renounce her faith and make sacrifices to the pagan gods. When Cecilia refused, she was tortured and thrown into prison. However, her faith remained unshaken, and even in the midst of her suffering, she continued to praise God and encourage others to do the same.
Finally, Cecilia was condemned to death by beheading. However, when the executioner’s sword failed to kill her, she remained alive for three days before passing away peacefully. The story ends with a message about the power of faith and the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s beliefs, even in the face of persecution and hardship.
The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale is a story about a canon and his yeoman who travel together and swindle people out of their money by selling fake alchemy books.
In this tale, the narrator meets a canon and his yeoman on the road and invites them to dinner. The canon tells a story about an alchemist who tries to turn base metals into gold but ultimately fails, revealing the folly of his pursuits. The tale serves as a critique of alchemy and the pursuit of wealth through dishonest means.
Fragment IX:
The Manciple’s Tale is a story of a talking bird who reveals the infidelity of a woman to her husband, leading to her punishment and eventual death.
The Manciple’s Tale is a fable-like story of a talking bird who warns its master, a married man, about the dangers of infidelity. The man, however, ignores the bird’s warnings and continues to cheat on his wife with another woman. The bird decides to take matters into its own hands and tells the wife about her husband’s betrayal. The wife confronts her husband, who denies everything and accuses the bird of lying. To prove its truthfulness, the bird tells a story about a group of animals who seek revenge against a deceitful fox. The wife is convinced by the bird’s tale and punishes her husband by blinding him in one eye. The story teaches a moral lesson about the consequences of infidelity and the importance of honesty and trust in relationships.
Fragment X:
The Parson’s Tale is a sermon on the Seven Deadly Sins and the virtues that should replace them, emphasizing the importance of leading a moral and righteous life.
The Parson’s Tale is a lengthy sermon on the topic of penance, in which the Parson identifies and explores each of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery. He discusses how each sin manifests itself, its harmful effects on the sinner’s soul, and the specific actions that can be taken to atone for it. The Parson emphasizes the importance of leading a virtuous life and constantly striving to avoid sin.
The Epilogue is a concluding section in which Chaucer reflects on the pilgrimage and the lessons that can be learned from the stories told by the various pilgrims.
The Epilogue is a section at the end of The Canterbury Tales in which Chaucer reflects on the stories told by the various pilgrims and expresses his own views on literature and the purpose of storytelling. He also apologizes for any mistakes or offensive content in his work and encourages the reader to interpret the stories for themselves. The Epilogue serves as a sort of conclusion to the work and emphasizes the idea of unity and community that was central to the concept of the pilgrimage.
Comparing the Classics: The Canterbury Tales and The Decameron:
This book “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer and “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio are both collections of stories told by various characters. Both books were written in the late Middle Ages, and they are considered among the most important works of European literature.
Structure:
One of the main similarities between the two works is their structure. Both books are organized around a framing device that involves a group of people telling stories to pass the time. In “The Canterbury Tales,” a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral each tells a story along the way. In “The Decameron,” a group of ten young people escaping the Black Death in Florence tell stories to each other while they are staying in a villa outside the city.
Stories:
Another similarity is that both books feature a wide range of stories with a variety of themes and tones. There are tragic stories, comic stories, stories of love and betrayal, and stories with religious or moral messages. Both authors were interested in capturing the full range of human experience and emotion, and their books reflect this.
Native Tongue:
Finally, both books were written in the vernacular language of their respective countries. Chaucer wrote in Middle English, while Boccaccio wrote in Italian. This was a departure from the literary tradition of the time, which had been dominated by Latin and French. By writing in their native languages, Chaucer and Boccaccio helped to establish their languages as literary languages and paved the way for the development of national literatures.