The Canterbury Tales, also expresses some similar values in its text. It expresses loyalty and order towards others and the world. It also values religion, which can be found in the fact that the pilgrims are going on a pilgrimage to the relics of Sir Thomas a Becket. The value of religion is about the only different value expressed between the two works.
The two works also express a change in perception of the definition of good verses evil. In Beowulf, the definition of both is very clear cut, good is good and evil is evil. Good is represented by the ideal hero Beowulf, who is strong and courageous. Beowulf goes about fighting evil. The form of evil in this story are monsters. These monsters are an example of pure evil, completely bad. Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon are clear examples of this evil. They all are out to destroy humans and the humans fear them. However in The Canterbury Tales, the definition is changed to express that everyone is neither all good or all evil. For example, Guild Members are hard working men in the middle class, but their wives show another side, the vain side. The wives act as though they are members of the upper class, trying to show off where ever they go to appear to be of some importance. .
A great example of the change in social perspective in this time span is the literature's reflection on the social rank. In Beowulf, the social rank is a narrow one, only showing the mighty warriors. These warriors were the main part of the society, trying to protect their land claims from invaders. However, during the medieval period, when The Canterbury Tales were written, the social rank was diverse.