Religion has long been an important factor in society, changing and evolving over the centuries. In medieval Europe, religious pilgrimages were a crucial part of one's religious faith. Often everyone in society, from the highest class to the lowest order, was involved in this practice. Geoffrey Chaucer, one of the most important writers in English literature, was the author of The Canterbury Tales, an elaborate poem about the religious pilgrimage of twenty-nine people to Canterbury. In the "General Prologue" Chaucer introduces each individual on the journey. Through The Canterbury Tales, we discover the hypocrisy and virtues that Chaucer portrays in his characters and can appreciate the nuances of this superior piece of literature. Geoffrey Chaucer, born in London in 1340, began his love affair with literature in his twenties. Chaucer wrote his first book in 1368, Book of the Duchess, and soon after went to northern France to serve in John of Gaunt's army. Chaucer then went through a series of events until he was eventually made a member of parliament. He began writing The Canterbury Tales in 1387 and was never completely finished. A number of poems he had written before this period were also adapted to fit The Canterbury Tales, such as Palamon and Arcite, which was later adapted as The Knights Tale. Chaucer died on 25 October 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey and is believed to be the first person buried in what is known as 'Poets' Corner'. The "General Prologue" of the Canterbury Tales is a crucial part of the poem, because it first identifies the reader with the people who will go on pilgrimage to Canterburry. It narrates the gathering of pilgrims at the Tabard Inn in... middle of paper... Rey Chaucer comments on the moral corruption within the Roman Catholic Church. He criticizes many high-ranking members of the Church and describes the lack of morality in medieval society; however, in the "Retraction", Chaucer retracts much of his work and pledges to be faithful to Christianity. Opposing opinions apparently exist in "Retraction" and The Canterbury Tales. However, this contradiction does not weaken Chaucer's social commentary. Rather, the "Retraction" emphasizes Chaucer's critique of church and society in the Canterbury Tales, reinforcing the risk inherent in doing so. Works Cited Hinckley, Henry B. Notes on Chaucer. New York: Haskell House, 1964. Ingraham, Andrew, ed. Chaucer's Prologue to the Book of Canterbury Tales.London: The Macmillan Company, 1905.Owen, Charles A., ed. Discussions on the Canterbury Tales. Westport: GreenWood, 1978.