Of What Use Is The Bone in The Canterbury Tales?

The bone in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales serves as a symbol of pilgrimage. The pilgrims are traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury and the bone serves as a reminder of the purpose of their journey. The bone symbolizes both the physical journey to Canterbury and the spiritual journey that each character is embarking upon.
The bone represents the holy relic of a saint, and the pilgrims hope to receive blessings and forgiveness for their sins by visiting the shrine. This is a common practice in medieval times, where the physical act of pilgrimage was believed to bring the pilgrim closer to God and offer salvation. The bone is a powerful symbol of the pilgrimage, reminding the characters of the spiritual importance of their journey.
Additionally, the bone symbolizes the idea of death and the afterlife. The pilgrims are acutely aware of their own mortality, and the bone serves as a reminder that they are not immortal. This realization prompts them to reflect on their lives and to consider their ultimate fate. The bone encourages the characters to consider their spiritual well-being, and to make amends for any wrongs they have committed.
In conclusion, the bone in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales serves as a powerful symbol of the pilgrimage and the spiritual journey that the characters are undertaking. It reminds them of the importance of their journey and encourages them to reflect on their own mortality and ultimate fate. The bone serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, and that it is important to focus on one's spiritual well-being and make amends for any wrongs committed.