Which Canterbury Tales story is considered the best in terms of literary merit?

In terms of literary merit, '2666' stands out. Its structure is innovative, with different parts that seem to stand alone but are ultimately interconnected. It tackles large - scale themes such as the nature of evil and the role of the artist in society. The writing is both dense and lyrical, drawing the reader into a world that is at once familiar and deeply strange. It's a novel that demands multiple readings to fully appreciate all its nuances.

The Knight's Tale is often regarded as one of the best. It has a noble and chivalrous tone. It involves the love triangle between Arcite, Palamon, and Emily. The tale shows the code of honor among knights and the complex emotions that come with love and rivalry in a medieval setting.

The Merchant's Tale is considered good. It deals with themes of marriage and love in a rather cynical way. The story shows the power dynamics between an old merchant and his young wife. It's interesting as it gives a different perspective on relationships compared to some of the more idealized tales in the collection.

In terms of literary merit, 'The Corrections' is often at the top. It has a rich tapestry of language, complex narrative structure, and a profound understanding of human nature. The way Franzen weaves together the different storylines of the Lambert family members is masterful.

Perhaps 'The Franklin's Tale' is the best - loved for some. It is a story that explores themes of love, loyalty, and honor in a very nuanced way. The characters, Dorigen and Arveragus, face a difficult situation regarding Dorigen's promise to a suitor. The way the tale resolves, with an emphasis on keeping one's word while also showing mercy and understanding, makes it a story that many can appreciate on a deeper level.

Yes, 'The Canterbury Tales' is often regarded as one of the first works that can be considered a novel. It has many elements that are characteristic of the novel form. It features a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims, which gives it a complex narrative structure similar to what we expect in novels today.

For me, 'My Ántonia' stands out in terms of literary merit. The way Cather weaves the story of Ántonia, a Bohemian immigrant girl, is masterful. The relationship between the narrator and Ántonia is complex and deeply moving, and the descriptions of the Nebraska landscape add a rich backdrop to the story.

Definitely 'Naked Lunch'. Its experimental style, where Burroughs breaks all the traditional rules of writing, is just amazing. The way it mixes different scenarios, dialogues, and hallucinations is like nothing else. It has had a huge impact on the literary world, inspiring many other writers to be more adventurous with their writing.

The Pardoner's Tale' can also be considered among the best. It has a moral lesson at its core. The Pardoner tells a story about greed and how it can lead to destruction. The three rioters in the story are lured by the idea of easy wealth and in the end, they meet a tragic fate. This tale shows Chaucer's ability to blend morality with an interesting narrative.

'Good Old Neon' stands out in terms of literary merit. Wallace's use of stream - of - consciousness and his ability to create a character who is both relatable and deeply flawed makes it a masterful piece. The story's exploration of self - identity and the lies we tell ourselves is presented in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating.