The collection of tales, presented through a diverse range of characters with varying moral compasses and social standings, directly challenges the audience to consider what virtues are truly important. Are they religious piety, courtly love, worldly success, or something else entirely? The conflicting narratives and perspectives presented within the tales highlight the complexities of morality and the subjectivity of judging character and action. This question underlies many of the individual stories and the overall framework of the pilgrimage itself.