Religion and the Medieval Mind · Spring Term

Henry II and Thomas Becket: Conflict over Justice

Investigating the power struggle between King Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury over the 'Criminous Clerks' and legal jurisdiction.

About This Topic

Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' provides a vivid, often satirical window into the diversity of 14th-century English society. This topic uses the framing device of a pilgrimage to Canterbury to introduce students to a cross-section of medieval life, from the chivalrous Knight and the worldly Wife of Bath to the corrupt Pardoner. Students explore why pilgrimage was such a central part of medieval life, as both a spiritual journey and a social event.

This topic bridges the gap between History and English Literature. It allows students to see medieval people as individuals with personalities, flaws, and humor, rather than just statistics. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of the pilgrimage, perhaps through role play or character analysis, to understand how Chaucer used his characters to critique the Church and the social order of his time.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Tabard Inn

Assign each student a character from the General Prologue. They must 'mingle' at the Tabard Inn, introducing themselves to others and trying to guess who is the most 'holy' and who is the most 'corrupt' based on their clothing and descriptions.

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Pilgrim's Route

In small groups, students use a map to plan the 60-mile journey from London to Canterbury. They must identify potential hazards (mud, outlaws, expensive inns) and decide what 'souvenirs' (like pilgrim badges) they would buy at the shrine of Thomas Becket.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Chaucer the Satirist

Students read a short extract describing the Monk (who loves hunting) or the Friar (who loves money). They discuss in pairs: 'Is Chaucer being nice or mean here?' and 'What is he trying to tell us about the Church in the 1300s?'

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Pilgrimages were always very solemn and boring.

What to Teach Instead

For many, they were like a medieval holiday, full of storytelling, drinking, and socialising. Role playing the 'Tabard Inn' scene helps students understand the social and recreational aspect of pilgrimage alongside the religious one.

Common Misconception

Medieval people were all the same and had no personality.

What to Teach Instead

Chaucer's characters show a huge range of human traits, greed, lust, kindness, and vanity. Analyzing the 'Wife of Bath' or the 'Miller' helps students see the individuality and complexity of people in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did people go on pilgrimage in the Middle Ages?

People went for many reasons: to ask God for a cure for an illness, to do penance for a sin, to give thanks for a miracle, or simply to see the world. It was believed that being close to the relics of a saint (like the bones of Thomas Becket) made your prayers more powerful.

Who was Geoffrey Chaucer?

Chaucer was a 14th-century civil servant and poet, often called the 'Father of English Literature'. He was one of the first to write major works in the English language (Middle English) rather than French or Latin, making literature accessible to a wider audience.

What can we learn about the Church from The Canterbury Tales?

Chaucer uses characters like the Pardoner (who sells fake relics) and the Summoner to show that the Church was often seen as corrupt and money-hungry. However, he also includes the 'Poor Parson' to show that there were still holy and dedicated priests who truly cared for their people.

How can active learning help students understand The Canterbury Tales?

Active learning, like character role plays or 'detective' work on the text, helps students engage with the satire. Instead of just reading old-fashioned descriptions, they have to inhabit the characters and interact with others. This makes the social commentary 'pop', helping them see how Chaucer used humour to challenge the powerful institutions of his day.

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