"The Canterbury Tales," written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, is a collection of stories that explore various themes, including love, morality, and social class. The work is framed as a storytelling contest among a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Each character, representing different segments of society, shares their tale, offering insight into their personalities and social backgrounds, making the text a rich tapestry of medieval life.