The Canterbury pilgrims

Name: The Canterbury pilgrims
Author: Percy MacKaye

By Percy MacKaye

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Humour Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

Set in late fourteenth-century England, the comedy assembles Chaucer as a participant and observer among a lively company of pilgrims and additional historical figures gathered at an inn before a shrine-bound journey. The drama presents a sequence of character sketches and comic set-pieces—tavern brawls, bargains over relics, songs, and diversions—while interweaving debates about piety, social custom, and religious reform. Acts and musical antiphons structure shifts from boisterous caricature to moments of reflection, and the ensemble dynamic exposes contrasting social types and tensions between ritual, politics, and personal folly.

About the Author

Percy MacKaye

Percy MacKaye was an American playwright, poet, and author known for his contributions to the theatrical arts in the early 20th century. His works often blend elements of romance, tragedy, and community engagement, reflecting his interest in the transformative power of theater. Among his notable plays is "Caliban by the Yellow Sands: A Community Masque of the Art of the Theatre," which showcases his innovative approach to performance. MacKaye's writing frequently explores themes of nature and humanity, as seen in works like "Sanctuary: A Bird Masque" and "Fenris, the Wolf: A Tragedy." His legacy includes a commitment to enriching American theater and fostering a deeper connection between audiences and the performing arts.