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The Canterbury Tales · English Literature

What is 'The Retraction' found at the very end of The Canterbury Tales?

  1. A legal document signed by Chaucer's literary executors after his death
  2. Chaucer's apology, asking forgiveness for his worldly and sinful writings
  3. A lost manuscript fragment describing the pilgrims' return journey
  4. A dedicatory poem addressed to King Henry IV of England
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Correct answer: Chaucer's apology, asking forgiveness for his worldly and sinful writings

In the Retraction, Chaucer asks forgiveness for his secular works, including most of the Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde. This was a common medieval convention, though scholars debate its sincerity.

Difficulty: Medium Question 20 of 20

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