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Why did Chaucer write about all classes in The Canterbury Tales?

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Final answer:

Chaucer wrote about all classes in 'The Canterbury Tales' to reflect the changing social dynamics of the 14th century, highlighting the diverse lives and stories across the social spectrum, from the rising middle class to the nobility, and contributing to a broader cultural appreciation of common people’s experiences in literature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about all classes in The Canterbury Tales to provide a nuanced perspective of the changing social landscape of his time. The emergence of the middle class and the increasing socioeconomic mobility reshaped social dynamics, shifting the focus from only portraying nobility to including the experiences and stories of individuals across various social strata. Chaucer's work highlights the importance of every class, from the lowly squire to the great lord, in the human experience, reflecting the socioeconomic diversity and complexities of 14th-century England. The tales serve as a social commentary on the lives of different classes, examining virtues and vices without the bias of social hierarchy, and thus offering a more comprehensive understanding of the society. Chaucer's narratives were revolutionary in their willingness to explore different aspects of human nature, regardless of class, and contributed to the broader cultural shift where common people and their stories began to be acknowledged and celebrated in literature and art.

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