1. Unfinished Masterpiece: Geoffrey Chaucer, the author, only completed 24 of the planned 120 tales.
2. A Pilgrimage of Stories: The framework of the story involves a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. Each pilgrim agrees to tell two tales on the journey, creating a tapestry of stories.
3. Diverse Characters: The pilgrims represent a cross-section of medieval English society, including a knight, a prioress, a merchant, a miller, a wife of Bath, a pardoner, and many more.
4. A Variety of Genres: The tales themselves encompass a wide range of genres, including romance, chivalry, satire, humor, tragedy, and morality plays.
5. Social Commentary: Chaucer's work is known for its sharp social commentary, which often critiques the hypocrisy and corruption of the Church and the aristocracy.
6. The Host's Role: Harry Bailey, the innkeeper, acts as the master of ceremonies, selecting the storytellers and judging the tales.
7. The Wife of Bath: One of the most famous and controversial characters, the Wife of Bath is a strong, independent woman who champions female agency and challenges traditional societal norms.
8. Middle English: The Canterbury Tales were written in Middle English, a language that is significantly different from modern English.
9. First Printed Edition: The first printed edition of The Canterbury Tales was published in 1476 by William Caxton.
10. Continuing Relevance: Despite being written centuries ago, The Canterbury Tales remains a relevant and engaging work, exploring themes of human nature, social justice, and the search for meaning that resonate with readers today.