Question

The characters and stories from The Canterbury Tales probably seem vastly different from those you are familiar with in your own life. But are they? Don’t most people tell stories when they are with other people? When you get home from an outing, you probably tell someone at home about it—where you went, whom you saw, and what happened. These are the fundamentals of storytelling. Think about the kinds of stories you have heard from other people. How do stories indicate who people are, what they value, what scares them? In short, why do people tell stories? Give concrete examples from modern-day life and The Canterbury Tales to support your answer.

a) Stories have no bearing on people's identities.
b) Stories only exist in literature.
c) Stories reflect people's values and fears.
d) Stories have no purpose.

Answer 1

Stories are essential to human communication, reflecting our identities, values, and perspectives, both in modern life and in historical texts like 'The Canterbury Tales'. They help to reinforce cultural norms, educate, and entertain, as well as to make sense of our experiences and place in society.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stories indeed reflect people's values, fears, and identities. They are a fundamental aspect of human communication, serving to entertain, impart morals, and foster social cohesion. This is as true today as it was in the time of The Canterbury Tales.

For example, when we arrive home and relate the day's events to a family member, we are engaging in storytelling. We select and emphasize details that resonate with our values or interests, often reinforcing our identity and perspective. Like modern narratives, the tales told by Chaucer's pilgrims reveal their values, biases, and societal roles. A miller's raucous tale contrasts with the knight's chivalrous romance, reflecting their different social standings and views of the world.

In literature and daily life, stories often serve purposes beyond mere entertainment. They establish cultural norms and philosophies, clear examples being myths and legends that communities have used to explain the world around them or to inculcate certain values. Whether in verbal tales, written literature, or dramatic performances, stories facilitate a deep connection between the teller and the audience, creating shared emotional experiences and reinforcing communal norms.

Furthermore, we use stories to understand abstract concepts and to question our position in society, asking whether we are insiders or outsiders and reflecting upon our individual experiences. The enduring nature of literature, the text's interpretation, and the creative process itself are influenced by the collective narratives that shape our worldview.