I've read the book and looked online but can't figure it out..
What impression does the narrator give of the church in his day?
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Why do you think the host proposes the storytelling contest?
Thanks in an advance:D
cjvw622
Favorite Answer
Chaucer loves God, but thinks the church is flawed. Not all of the religious characters are bad:
eg the Parson and the Knight (who is a devout Chriistian) but others have various weaknesses that range from vanity (the Prioress) to downright nastiness (the Pardoner and Summoner) While you're reading it'simportant to remember that Chaucer doesn't often judge his characters: he describes them and their behavior and lets the reader draw his own conclusions.
Chaucer died before he could finish the book, but Christie is right: the innkeeper suggests a story telling contest to pass the time, as they all had to walk to Canterbury. The idea was for each pilgrim to tell two stories -- one on the way down and one on the way back, and the winner would get a free dinner at the innkeeper's expense.
Anonymous
I don't have the book so I can't give detailed explanations, but I read it a few years ago.
The narrator satirizes the church through the mini stories, and overall thinks the church is very corrupt and greedy.
The host proposes the storytelling contest in part because they are on a long journey and need something to occupy their time. There may be a more significant answer but that is all I can think of for now.