An Analysis of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of stories recited by several pilgrims who are on their way to the tomb of St. Thomas in Canterbury. During the trip they decide to hold a competition that will judge the best story among those recited by the different characters. Stories help the characters pass the time and have fun. The different characters come from different walks of life and have very different personalities. Set in the Middle Ages, this novel gives us an insight into the beliefs and customs of the time, including the lack of respect towards women. Women have a lower status than men in all respects. They are taught to be obedient to their husbands and fathers. Keeping men happy is their main goal. (Learning the castle). Women have little power to exercise their own agency; therefore, they are forced to use their sexuality to satisfy their desires. One of the stories in The Canterbury Tales demonstrates a husband's suspicion towards his wife. "The carpenter had married a new wife, not long before, and loved her more than she did." life, She is an eighteen year old girl, He is jealous and has kept her in a cage". (89) Her husband, a carpenter, is always afraid that his beautiful young wife will cheat on him and that he will be cuckolded, so dominates. There is also a huge age difference between them which requires him to be more cautious about his wife's activities. So his young wife has no freedom desired family is precious and must be preserved. Women are considered naturally promiscuous; they are almost always viewed with suspicion. "There are many virtuous wives, all said and done, a thousand good for one bad." , narrator of the story, believes that there are many virtuous and pure women loyal to their husbands compared to the few impure and unfaithful wives. If a woman disobeyed her husband by exercising her free will, she was considered impure since a woman's worth was judged by men. with power in society. If a woman cheats on her husband she is a sinner and is the one who has the "lascivious eye"." (90).