Which of the following is a common type of tale in The Canterbury Tales?

A common type of tale in The Canterbury Tales is indeed represented by The Knight's Tale. This work is one of the stories narrated by the characters who are on a pilgrimage to Canterbury, reflecting various aspects of medieval society. The Knight’s Tale is a chivalric romance that explores themes of love, honor, and conflict, featuring knights and noble characters. Each tale in The Canterbury Tales is meant to entertain while also providing commentary on social issues and the human condition.

In contrast, the other options present works that do not fall under the same classification. The Ballad of John Henry is an American folk tale about a steel-driving man, and while it is a significant story in its cultural context, it is not part of The Canterbury Tales. The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian tale that predates Chaucer’s work by thousands of years and focuses on themes of friendship and mortality, illustrating a different literary tradition. The Lyrics of Spring is not a recognized title related to The Canterbury Tales and does not fit within its thematic or narrative structure.

Thus, The Knight's Tale is correctly identified as a quintessential part of The Canterbury Tales, showcasing Chaucer’s narrative style and the diversity of stories included in this seminal text.