Outline of the Story

On a spring evening, the poet, moved by the passion for wandering, drops himself at the Tabard Inn at the south end of London Bridge. Here he meets 29 pilgrims ready for a journey of 60 miles on horseback to Canterbury.

He joins this company. At the suggestion of the host of the inn, they agree to beguile the journey by story-telling. Each to tell 2 stories going and 2 returning. The best story-teller will be treated with a fine supper at the general expense at the end. The host is to be the judge of the contest.

2.3 Comments on “Essays”

Firstly, Bacon borrowed the title from the French philosopher Montaigne. But different from Montaigne’s personal and informal style, Bacon’s style is more formal and more tightly organized.

Secondly, these essays cover a variety of subjects, such as “the meaning of truth,” “the composition of beauty,” “friendship,” “marriage,” and “parents and children.”

Thirdly, these essays, though short, are sinewy, full of wisdom, and elegantly phrased. They offer people useful and practical advice, and encourage people to play more active roles in their social life.

2.2 “Robinson Crusoe”

The novel is based upon a real story.

The character of Robinson Crusoe is representative of the English bourgeoisie at the earlier stages of its development.

The novel can be read in different ways: ①It is a story of sea adventures. ②It is an artistic projection of colonial expansion. ③It implies the Western cultural values and sings a song of “the dignity of labor.” ④ It explores the theme of “back to nature.” ⑤It also shows the theme of “religious devotion.”

2.3 The Artistic Characteristics of “Robinson Crusoe”

In the novel, the first person narrator tells the story and enables the strange events to be realistic. The description of Robinson Crusoe’s life and experience is in great detail. The structure of the novel is clear and the language is plain and easy to be understood.

3.3 “Gulliver’s Travels”

It lashes out at the vanity and hypocrisy of contemporary courts, statesmen, and political parities.

But its vivid imagination and its witty and bold creation of the unusual render the

novel a universal charm. This is why the novel, though of high political implications, has remained a favorite children’s book throughout the world.

2.2 “Prometheus Unbound”

“Prometheus Unbound” is Shelley’s masterpiece. It is a lyrical drama in 4 acts.

The plot o f Shelley’s drama is borrowed from “Prometheus Bound”, a play of the Greek tragedian Aeschylus.

Prometheus bound becomes Prometheus unbound. This symbolizes the victory for man’s struggle against tyranny and oppression.

2.3 Ode

Ode is a single, complex and often lengthy lyric poem, written in a dignified formal style on some lofty or serious subject.

2.4 “Ode to the West Wind”

“Ode to the West Wind” symbolizes rebirth and creative power.

III. The Differences between “Pride and Prejudice”& “Jane Eyre”

“Pride and Prejudice”: It’s a French garden under the sun. It’s small and exquisite. The story in this garden is lucid and full of comic flavor.

“Jane Eyre”: It’s the wasteland in fog or heavy rain. There is a tragic and mysterious atmosphere.

It’s a more conscientious feminist novel.