3.5
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. The tales are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral. The collection includes a wide range of tales, from bawdy and irreverent stories to serious moral tales, and showcases Chaucer's mastery of a variety of literary styles and forms. The Canterbury Tales is considered a classic of English literature and has had a significant influence on the development of the English language and literature. The tales offer a window into the culture and society of medieval England, and their exploration of themes such as morality, class, and gender continue to resonate with modern readers. Chaucer's use of vernacular English in The Canterbury Tales was a significant departure from the French and Latin used in formal literature at the time, and helped to establish English as a literary language. The tales are written in a variety of verse forms, including rhymed couplets, rhyme royal, and tail rhyme, and Chaucer's skillful use of these forms is one of the collection's greatest strengths. The Canterbury Tales is not only a literary masterpiece, but also a cultural treasure that offers insights into the past and continues to be relevant in the present. It is a must-read for anyone interested in English literature, medieval history, or the development of the English language. Despite being written over six centuries ago, the tales remain fresh and engaging, and their exploration of universal human experiences and themes continues to resonate with readers today...
Giovanni Boccaccio
The Decameron
A collection of 100 novellas by Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio, written between 1349 and 1353. It is a medieval allegory about the Black Death, and is one of the most famous works of Italian literature. The Decameron is set in 1348, when the Black Death is spreading throughout Italy. Seven young women and three young men take refuge in a villa outside of Florence to escape the plague. To pass the time, each member tells a story every day for ten days, resulting in a total of one hundred tales.
Learn MoreMurasaki Shikibu
The Tale of Genji
Considered the world's first novel, written by a Japanese noblewoman in the early 11th century. The Tale of Genji is a story about the life and loves of Prince Genji, the Shining Prince, and his descendants. The novel explores the complexities of courtly life, love, and politics in Heian period Japan.
Learn MoreWilliam Langland
Piers Plowman
A Middle English allegorical narrative poem, written in the late 14th century. The poem is set in a dream vision and follows the narrator, Will, as he searches for the true meaning of life. Along the way, he encounters a variety of allegorical figures, including Piers Plowman, who represents the ideal Christian.
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The Divine Comedy
An epic poem by Italian poet Dante Alighieri, written between 1308 and 1320. The Divine Comedy is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The poem follows Dante as he travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the Roman poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice.
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