The Canterbury Tales 28

Chaucer’s pilgrims represent a wide array of social classes and occupations, each bringing their unique perspective and voice to the collection. Here are some of the most notable characters and their tales:

1. The Knight: The Knight’s Tale is a chivalric romance that explores themes of love, honor, and rivalry between two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who vie for the love of the beautiful Emelye.

2. The Miller: In contrast to the Knight, the Miller tells a bawdy tale filled with humor and deception, focusing on the themes of love and infidelity. His story, often regarded as one of the more entertaining, involves a carpenter, his wife, and a cunning student.