Classically Written

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Mark Twain once asserted, "a classic is a book that nobody reads." Geoffrey Chaucer's renowned classic The Canterbury Tales is a collection of short stories that is read the world over, yet still has attained the classical status. Chaucer's fictional collection has many components that make it well suited to its classical identity due to it's relate ability, relevancy to modern times, and the central focuses of universal truths.

The Canterbury Tales has been widely published and made available to the masses in several translations from Middle English to Modern English in order to make the story accessible. In order for a piece of writing to continue to be read and enjoyed, the same as Chaucer's tales, the reader must have the ability to relate with the characters in the story. In the introduction to Chaucer's narrative, "the general prologue", 29 guests of the Tabard Inn are introduced. Many of the archetypical characteristics of the guests have a relevancy beyond the date of the setting. For example, the Knight plays the part of the genteel man who values freedom, chivalry and honor. He is not boastful, yet is proud and distinguished. Although his occupation is dated, the reader can relate to his characteristics with either themselves or someone they know. The Squire is a young man with high aspirations and high levels of vanity, and The Prioress presents herself with an underserved aristocratic arrogance. Each character, only naming a few, has particular attributes and flaws that can be recognized in persons at any time and in any place.

Most importantly, in order to attain classical status writing must display either a timeless universal truth about life, or a struggle or conflict that can be brought into the present date. One of Geoffrey Chaucer's stories in The Canterbury Tales entitled "The Wife of Bath's Tale" (as well as the prologue to the story) achieves just that. The Wife of Bath has had five husbands throughout her lifespan and speaks to the group in her stories about male and female intimate relationships. Incorporated into the story is a satirical look at gender roles and the ironical status quo of accepted behaviors. The Wife of Bath expresses the irony of the chaste woman by asking, "How do virgins beget virgins?" Many of the same gender issues are still present and thus the reader can relate to the messages and questioning.

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