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The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of early European literature. It is a “frame story” containing a collection of tales told by a fictional group of religious pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at the Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer made specific use of real locations to root his stories in the world of his time. Listen to hear about how the Canterbury Road has influenced other famous writers, and about how the locations of Chaucer’s tales have changed over the centuries.
Story Length: 8:04
© 2009 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
04/14/2009
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/422-retracing-chaucers-steps-on-the-canterbury-road
Who are other important writers who have drawn inspiration from the areas along the Canterbury Road?
What details from the audio story suggest that British people value their history and historic places?
How have the towns along the Canterbury Road changed in recent years? What factors contribute to this change?
How are the cultural challenges faced by the British similar and different from challenges in America?