Does “The Canterbury Tales” primarily uphold or challenge the social order?

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Selected thesis

“The Canterbury Tales” primarily challenges the social order of 14th-century England.

Pros

Cons

  • Pro claim 1

    Some stories can be interpreted as satirizing chivalric violence and religious hypocrisy.

  • Pro claim 2

    Chaucer gives a voice to the lower members of society.

  • Con claim 1

    Many of the stories are morality tales which re-enforce the values of the time.

  • Con claim 2

    Chaucer’s cast of characters reflects a rigid class hierarchy.