The Knight: An Idealized Medieval Figure

The Characters in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'

A section of "Canterbury Tales" mural, 1939, by Ezra Winter is situated on the west wall of the North Reading Room in the Library of Congress John Adams Building, Washington. (L–R) the Host of Tabard Inn; the Knight, followed by his son, the young Squire, on a white palfrey; a Yeoman; the Doctor of Physic; Chaucer, riding with his back to the observer, as he talks to the Lawyer; and the Clerk of Oxenford, reading his beloved classics. Public Domain

A masterwork of poetic prose and one of the first-ever books written in English, the “Canterbury Tales” displays English cultural history, giving modern readers an insight into medieval society. And what better character to represent the ideal values of 14th-century England than a knight in shining armor?

Written by Geoffrey Chaucer from 1387 until his death in 1400, these 24 tales follow 31 pilgrims from different social classes and occupations on their journey from Southwark, London, to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury. During their pilgrimage, they entertain themselves by telling each other varied tales. Through both their characters and tales, they give readers a glimpse into the different medieval social classes and their values.