There's no single "inner story" that stands out as the overarching narrative within the entire framework. Instead, each pilgrim's tale is its own story, embedded within the larger narrative of the pilgrimage itself.
Here's a breakdown:
* Outer Story: The overarching narrative is the journey of a group of pilgrims from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket.
* Inner Stories: These are the individual tales told by each pilgrim, often reflecting their own personality, social status, and views on the world. Examples include the Knight's tale of chivalry and love, the Wife of Bath's tale about marriage and female empowerment, and the Pardoner's tale about greed and corruption.
Therefore, "inner stories" within The Canterbury Tales refer to the individual tales told by the pilgrims, each with its own plot, themes, and characters.