... into one translation that comes out sounding like mediocre modern poetry. The reader could more easily pick up the themes, true, but in reality they are only half of the Chaucer experience. While there are a variety of modern translations which completely reorient The Canterbury Tales for today's readers, most fall short in expressing the impressive control that Chaucer had over his native language. Changes ... straws and the Knight was chosen to tell his tale first, and the rest of the text is devoted to each character narrating his or her story. The Wife of Bath was described in the "...

• Word Count: 4721
• Approx Pages: 19
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... tales, Chaucer is able to show further characterization beyond the description of each character given in the prologue. "The Knight's Tale- is one of romantic chivalry, demonstrating through the characters in the tale, the Knight's own behavior, beliefs, and virtues. The distinguished lady called the Wife of Bath tells a fable about a knight searching for knowledge in order to win his queen's favor and save his ... own life. In humorous contrast to the tales of the Knight and the lady is "The Miller's Tale."" In telling his fabliau, the Miller uses vulgar themes and language as well as ...

• Word Count: 842
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School