A diverse group of pilgrims embarks on a journey to Canterbury, agreeing to a storytelling contest to pass the time. The protagonist is not a single individual but the collective voice of the pilgrims, whose objective is to win a free meal by telling the most engaging tale. They face the social constraints of the medieval hierarchy, which dictate the tone and subject matter of their narratives. The framework is a frame narrative, utilizing a series of interconnected stories that reveal the moral and social landscape of the 14th century.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the work as a foundational text for understanding medieval social dynamics and linguistic evolution. Discussion often centers on the sharp wit and irony Chaucer employs to critique the religious and secular institutions of his time. The pacing varies significantly between the tales, reflecting the distinct personalities and social standings of the individual narrators. Scholars emphasize the balance between the bawdy humor of the fabliaux and the more serious, philosophical tone of the moral tales. This collection remains a central point of study for its complex characterization and its innovative use of the vernacular.