The Pilgrims in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" met at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, a borough located in London. The Tabard Inn served as a popular gathering place for travelers and was known for its hospitality and entertainment. Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims who are on their way to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
The setting of the Tabard Inn provides a backdrop for the introduction of the various pilgrims and their individual tales. Each pilgrim comes from a different social background and has a unique story to tell, showcasing the diverse cultures and beliefs of medieval England. The inn serves as the starting point for the journey to Canterbury and symbolizes the beginning of the pilgrimage and the adventure that awaits the travelers.
The Tabard Inn also plays a crucial role in the structure of "The Canterbury Tales". Chaucer uses the framework of a pilgrimage to bring together a diverse group of people and to present their stories as a means of exploring the different aspects of medieval society. The pilgrimage also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey that each person must undertake in order to attain salvation.
In conclusion, the Tabard Inn in Southwark serves as the meeting place for the pilgrims in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" and provides a unique setting for the introduction of the various characters and their individual stories. The inn serves as a starting point for the pilgrimage and a symbol of the journey that the pilgrims will undertake. The gathering of diverse individuals at the inn serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and the importance of diversity in shaping the human experience.