Canterbury tales Quote by Phyllis Goldstein
““In the late 1300s, decades after the expulsion of the Jews from England, Geoffrey Chaucer, one of England’s earliest poets, included Hugh’s story in his Canterbury Tales. The cathedral in Lincoln contained a shrine to “Little St. Hugh” that was a tourist attraction for 700 years. In 1955, ten years after the Holocaust and in response to it, the plaque was removed. In its place is one with these words:””
About This Quote
Source Historical Note: Canterbury Tales reference, 1955 plaque replacement, post‑Holocaust context
The passage recounts how a medieval shrine was replaced after WWII, reflecting how societies reinterpret history after trauma.
In simple terms: Societies replace symbols after trauma.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how history is reshaped over time.
Themes
memory
remembrance
culture
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- museum exhibits
- public memorials
- educational curricula
- heritage tourism
Key Concepts
historical revision
collective memory
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance remembrance with progress?
- What responsibilities do we have to preserve history?
A Different Perspective
Changing symbols can erase important past narratives.
