In what literary form is "The Canterbury Tales" written?

Study for the NAQT Literature Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

"The Canterbury Tales" is written in poetry, specifically in the form of a collection of narrative poems that are structured as tales told by different characters, known as pilgrims, on a journey to Canterbury. Geoffrey Chaucer, the author, employs a variety of poetic forms throughout the work, including rhymed couplets in iambic pentameter, which was innovative and popular during the Middle English period. This poetic structure allows for a rich rhythm and an engaging delivery of each character's story, blending humor, social commentary, and moral lessons. By utilizing poetry as the medium, Chaucer elevates the tales, giving them lyrical qualities that enhance their themes and characterizations. Each tale reflects the distinct voice and perspective of the teller, showcasing the diversity of human experience and societal attitudes of the time.

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