Large Size

Size of Manuscript

Reading was not the only way a person could learn stories in the Middle Ages. Anyone who could not read could always listen to an oral storyteller. The peasants could hear the story from someone who could read to them. Chaucer's theme is storytelling, which suggests that only one person has to read the work aloud. People can hear the story told, like a sermon in church. This is a possible explanation for the large size of the manuscript--it is meant to be read aloud on a podium. Only one copy is needed. The size of the manuscript fits into the Middle ages context because people were attending church regularly so they already aware of preachers, and the idea of oral traditions. People did not have to read for themselves, because they were used to having a priest read to them and interpret sermons. Therefore, people who cannot read can still understand the story if it is read aloud. This idea of the sermon being read aloud relates to the storytelling theme amongst the pilgrims in Canterbury Tales. The era is a precursor to Shakespeare's time, when acting on stage became prominent. People did not have to own a copy of the play, or the poem, instead they would sit, and listen to the story.