A Pilgrimage to Canterbury, and For Us, a Pilgrimage Through Hard Times

Before I start my review, I would like to say a few words. First, allow me to apologize for my nonexistant ratings and not writing as much as I used to. Eleventh grade just started in the beginning of September, and so far, it has taken me on a horrible journey. First the news of Hard_To_Please, who I consider the funniest writer on epinions (and who I know will continue his writing for years to come); then, on the first day of school, the report of a acquantenance of mine who died two days before, due to a self-inflicted wound; third, a car crash of some of my friends (one of which is still in critical condition after two weeks); and finally, the one event that tore me down, September 11th. I tried to bottle everything up, but that, it all came exploding out on that dreadful Tuesday morning. I don't think I have ever been so emotional as I was: the fact that cowards would use our own as a weapon against us is unthinkable. Just trying to emphasize with those poor people who lost their lives in fear in the airplanes makes me shudder. But perhaps epinion writer adjensen sums up my feelings the best on his profile when he mentions to those who are now burning in the fiery depths of Hell that they did not win, that America will not be torn down. I try to tell this to myself, but I fear that I may never be the same. And please, help me pray for all of these individuals who have losses their lives, their health, or their loved ones every single day.

But there's also one other problem I have, and that is with the people who are taking vengeful attitudes to those with Arabic descent or Islamic fate. WE ARE ALL AMERICANS, yet people are being persecuted. I acrually swore at a complete stranger who suggested that we all go "kick some Palestinian and Muslim a*s", because she was actually talking about American citizens. So please, do not harm or taunt Muslims or Arab-Americans in any way. Should you, I will have less respect for you than I have of the terrorists, because then they truly have won the war. Let's not go back to Japanese Internment Camps of World War II; let's continue the American spirit of equality

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The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer could not possibly be more fitting for the message of equality that I wish to express today. Being as this is the first time I have come to epinions in weeks, I feel that this book is a good review to start over again. The plot is actually two different stories in one: it first tells of a group of pilgrims who are on their way to Canterbury Cathedral; and second, it tells of their life stories that they tell along the way. After stories are told, the characters actually react with one another, often expressing interest, or expressing dislike for the story.

Every single story is unique, because they are told by a unique character. Rather than giving them true names, Chaucer refers to the characters by the position that they currently hold in 14th century Europe. There is the Knight, the Cook, and the Oxford Cleric, and many, many more.

An insight in to Chaucer's biography would perhaps be the best method to understand how Chaucer was capable of creating the mindsets of these characters, in addition to understanding their interactions. Chaucer was born in 13th-14th century Europe, and was raised in the rising middle class - a class that was wedged between the commoners and the aristocracy. It was extremely difficult to jump from class to class, and Chaucer mainly conversed with other people of the Middle Class, as well as the commoners. However, when he began writing, he also gained respect among the aristocracy, while maintaining his strong ties with the lower classes. Thus, Chaucer was able to develop and comprehend unique lifestyles of every major walk of life. This aided him in creating his certain characters, as well as their interactions.

However, please don't get me wrong: Chaucer's character's cannot truly be called his, and neither can the plot. He recycled many of the ideas from his literary heroes of Botheus and Boccaccio, and used many of the characters used by other writers in the same time period. It was odd to find a story without a knight in Europe during this time, and Chaucer simply used as many characters as he could.

However, Chaucer did this in a very unique style: he created a fondness from each of the character's stories, but also seems to remain somewhat detached from their lives. He doesn't wish to only spend time dwelling on the stories of one class, but rather, seems to jump around and visit each class, without designating too much time to tell the story. Thus, he is interested with all classes, but simply remains somewhat detached.

Chaucer's characters are all very unique: there is the Knight who brings his son, the Squire; the Oxford Cleric who maintains a fond interest in philosophy; and many church officials, such as the Friar, the Nun, and the Monk. However, the characters do not fit their stereotypes: the Monk can hardly be described as monklike, and Chaucer makes the Nun appear more womanly than her position would make her seem to be.

The Canterbury Tales is based on numerous travelers that are making a pilgrimage to the Canterbury Cathedral, and thus, they are referred to as pilgrims ( please do not confuse these pilgrims with the pilgrims who landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the much later 17th century). The characters develop extraordinarily, as each character comes to tell his or her own tale.

Within the story, it is important to read extremely closely, as there are many jokes that Chaucer gives to lighten the story up a bit. For instance, he describes the Squire as being "fresher than the month of May". A small background in European History will tell you that people used to deposit wastes in big stacks of hay on their property - this would not be cleaned out until the springtime. Thus, the pile would turn more and more disgusting with each passing day, until May, which is when it was at its cleanest. So, jokes are used to make the reader laugh, as well as describe the characters with odd metaphors. Kind of puts an unorthodox twist on spring cleaning...

Chaucer also incredibly composed The Canterbury Tales in verse - every two lines rhyme. It is amazing what Chaucer had done with poetry. Unfortunately, the only, and I stress only, con with The Canterbury Tales comes in the original version, which was written in Ye Olde English. I strongly suggest you get a translated copy - it will make your reading much more comprehensible.

To conclude, I strongly recommend Geoffrey Chaucers "The Canterbury Tales" for anyone who wishes to read classical European History, or even just wish for a good book. You will not be disappointed.

Diversity is something that is all around us. Chaucer was able to respect all that he met, no matter what social class. It's time for us, America, to also respect diversity in ethnicity and religion, especially in this time of hardships. Just remember, no matter what religion, what ethnicity, or what creed we happen to be, we are all Americans, and we are all proud to be so. Muslims here are just as saddened by the actions of these terrorists, and so are Arab-Americans. It is not these citizens who deserve our dislike or vengeance, but rather, it is the terrorists -the ones who carve killing Americans into their religion. The Koran dictates that killing one life is like killing all innocent lives, and should never be done. It is not the Muslims who condone White murdering, rather, it is the sick individuals who hide from justice, and the illegitimate governing body of Afghanistan that chooses to help them.