Geoffrey Chaucer

Unit 2 Introduction

by Mrs. White

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​Literature about society and its roles often focuses on issues or inequalities that need to be reformed.

​These themes are reflected in early literature all the way to present day.

Poll

Which parts of our society need reform, in your opinion?

• Justice system

• Education

• Currency & Taxation

• Tolerance and Cultural Acceptance

• Social Safety Net

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​Geoffrey Chaucer (born c. 1342/43, died October 25, 1400)

​English poet

​Known as the first great English poet

​(Before Shakespeare)

​Wrote The Canterbury Tales

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• ​The Canterbury Tales is made up of 24 tales

• rather abruptly ends before its characters even make it to Canterbury

• tales fragmented and varied in order

• scholars continue to debate whether the tales were published in their correct order

Poll

Predict social issues that may have inspired Chaucer to write in 14th-century England 

• Government/

  monarchy/ feudalism

• Inequality 

• Healthcare

• War

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View this video: https://www.savvasrealize.com/community/program/e37869f8-711e-33b1-965d-539fe7eded7f/14/tier/42750fce-a130-38a1-b8db-6b01d4f1408f/14/tier2/499f8f32-988c-39df-8a88-e16ddbf7a857/14/lesson/e424da00-eca4-3ca6-a110-ab8e9f52c51c/14/content/69859066-5011-308a-b66b-d084adff9851/14

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Think about this unit's essential question:

​How valid are social roles?

​Chaucer satirized (mocked) social roles in The Canterbury Tales.

​How are our social roles different from 14th-century England? How are they similar?

Poll

How valid are social roles?

• Completely valid: society needs rules to function smoothly

• Somewhat valid: there are issues in every society, but social roles are necessary to form a community 

• Invalid: individuals should never be held to the expectations of others or their communities