illustration of a clergyman with Canterbury cathedral behind him

The Canterbury Tales

by Geoffrey Chaucer

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The General Prologue Summary

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April has arrived as Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales opens. The showers bring new life into the flowers and fields, and it is the time of year to go on pilgrimages. In England, these are most often journeys to Canterbury. The narrator, Chaucer himself, is preparing to set out and falls in with twenty-nine other pilgrims at the inn who decide to ride together to Canterbury in fellowship.

Chaucer proceeds to describe the rank, personality, and appearance of each of his fellow pilgrims. The Knight is a worthy man who loves chivalry and has been successful in war yet is far from proud in his appearance and actions. He is brave and courteous. His son, the Squire, accompanies him and is a passionate, fashionable young man but also humble and courteous. He dances, draws, and composes songs.

The Yeoman is a proficient fellow who dresses for his position and knows his job as forester well. The Prioress is devoted to imitating courtly manners, and she dresses elegantly and pays much attention to her little dogs. She travels with a nun and three priests. The Monk is a hunter who cares little for his monastic rule and study but much for good horses and hounds. He wears rich clothing and jewelry and is plump, for he loves to eat.

A Friar rides with the group, but he is focused more on accumulating payment for his services as a confessor than on saving souls. He loves to sing in taverns and pays much attention to the ladies. He is “the beste beggere in his hous” but wears expensive clothing.

The Merchant is solemn and decked out in clothing fitting for his dignity, but he is actually deeply in debt. The Clerk, on the other hand, is shabby and thin. He is devoted to his books and his studies and must rely on friends to obtain his living. He is a quiet man who enjoys learning and teaching.

The Man of Law has achieved a high reputation in his profession, but he seems to be much busier than he actually is. He can draw up legal documents and knows the statutes by heart, but his clothing is simple. The Franklin is an older man and an Epicurean, devoted to pleasure and the finer things in life. He enjoys good quality food and drink, and he sets a fine table in his home. He takes pleasure in presiding there as well as in parliament and at court.

Several tradesmen are also among the pilgrims, all dressed according to their guild. The Cook exhibits the skills of his profession, and the Shipman is less than honest, having fought many times (and taken no prisoners) and having ignored illegal activities.

The Physician combines astrology and the humors to diagnose his patients. He is well-versed in the classical medical texts and in the apothecary trade but has studied the Bible “but litel” and has a strong love for gold.

The Wife of Bath dresses in bright colors that match her bright red face. She is a shrewd businesswoman with a strong personality and distinct appearance, and she has been married five times. The Parson provides a contrast with his simplicity and devoted care for his parishioners. He is a loving servant to his flock, guiding them and teaching them by word and example. With the Parson is the Plowman, his brother, also a simple man who will work for nothing out of charity.

The Miller is a large, strong, red-haired fellow who enjoys his drink and gets loud. The Manciple is dishonest in his profession, as is the Reeve, who is a thin man with a knack for cheating his lord by lending the young man’s own possessions back to him at great cost. The Summoner has a blotchy face and a lusty nature, and he is quite a rascal in how he defrauds people. The Pardoner carries around fake relics and collects plenty of money from those he deceives into believing they are real.

Led by the Host, these pilgrims decide to tell stories as they ride to Canterbury. The Host will determine the best tale, and the winner will receive a supper at the expense of the company after their return. All the pilgrims agree to be governed by the Host, and they set out the following day.

Expert Q&A

How does Chaucer use irony and satire in the Monk and Friar's characterization in The Canterbury Tales General Prologue?

Chaucer's descriptions of the Monk and Friar in the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales are satirical and ironic because neither the Monk nor the Friar is the sort of ascetic man, caring nothing for women or money, that members of the church should be. The monk, ironically, is a hunter, even though monks should not hunt. Meanwhile, the friar is "a wantowne and a merye," or pleasure-loving and merry, again ironic behavior for a supposedly chaste friar.

Which pilgrims does Chaucer dislike in The Canterbury Tales prologue?

In the prologue of The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer appears to portray some pilgrims more negatively, suggesting a potential dislike. While he aims to depict society realistically, emphasizing both virtues and flaws, certain characters like the Miller and the Pardoner are described with predominantly negative traits. The Miller is depicted as crude and deceitful, and the Pardoner as a scoundrel, indicating Chaucer's possible disapproval of their behaviors.

What does Chaucer suggest people long to do in spring?

Chaucer suggests that in spring, people long to go on pilgrimages. He describes how April's showers rejuvenate the earth, leading to a time when "folk longen to goon on pilgrimages." This desire is driven by the renewal of nature, the singing of birds, and a sense of spiritual renewal, prompting travel to holy sites like the shrine of Thomas Becket. This longing reflects a blend of physical and spiritual rejuvenation typical of spring.

When and why are the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales traveling, and how does the host win their trust?

The pilgrims in "The Canterbury Tales" travel in April to Canterbury to visit the shrine of St. Thomas à Becket, seeking spiritual blessings or simply adventure. The journey begins at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. The host, Harry Bailley, earns their trust through hospitality and proposes a storytelling contest to entertain the group during their pilgrimage, with a dinner reward for the best tale, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.

Based on his description, did Chaucer approve or disapprove of the Miller?

Chaucer disapproves of the Miller, as depicted in the Prologue. He portrays him as a loud-mouthed bully who cheats and steals, highlighting his unattractive physical features and boastful nature. Chaucer's description is satirical, mocking the Miller's self-importance and penchant for being the center of attention. While Chaucer criticizes the Miller, he applies a critical lens to all characters in The Canterbury Tales, emphasizing universal human flaws.

How does The Canterbury Tales depict a picture gallery?

The Canterbury Tales depicts a picture gallery by providing detailed descriptions of each pilgrim in the "Prologue." Chaucer uses both physical and internal traits to paint vivid portraits of the characters, making it easy for readers to visualize them. For instance, the Monk is described with big, sparkly eyes, a bald head, and fine clothing, while the Knight is portrayed with a plain tunic and a focus on honor and truth.

In The Canterbury Tales, why is the nun going on the pilgrimage?

The nun in "The Canterbury Tales" is on the pilgrimage as the chaplain to the Prioress, Madame Eglantine. Her role is primarily to accompany the Prioress, ensuring propriety since nuns typically remain in their priories. The Prioress, described as sentimental and romantic, likely wanted a religious entourage for her pilgrimage, possibly out of superstition or devotion. Both the Prioress and her chaplain are assumed to be genuinely pious.

What plan does the Host propose for the group in The Canterbury Tales?

The Host of the Tabard Inn proposes a storytelling contest to the pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. Each pilgrim is to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two more on the return trip to London. This plan aims to entertain the group during their journey. The Host will judge the stories, and the teller of the best tale will win a free dinner as a prize.

How would you describe the Reeve in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer?

The Reeve in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is depicted as a slender, choleric man with close-cropped hair and a clean-shaven face. He is skilled at managing estates, knowledgeable about agriculture, and feared by those under his supervision for his crafty nature. Despite his professional competence, the Reeve is portrayed as bitter and moody, reacting sensitively to the Miller's tale by crafting a retaliatory story. He rides a gray horse named Scot and carries a rusty sword.

How does Chaucer portray the military class in The Canterbury Tales Prologue?

Chaucer portrays the military class in "The Canterbury Tales Prologue" through the knight and his son, the squire. The knight is depicted as a model of chivalry, courage, and modesty, having served nobly in the Crusades. In contrast, the squire is youthful, vibrant, and focused on courtly love, yet shows potential as a future knight. Together, they represent the established military ideal and its promising continuation in the next generation.

Based on The Canterbury Tales Prologue, would you describe Chaucer as both a realist and a social reformer?

In "The Canterbury Tales Prologue," Chaucer is described as a realist due to his detailed depiction of medieval society's diverse characters and their occupations, capturing both its faults and glamors. However, he is not considered a social reformer, as his use of irony and mild satire lacks the deep critique and call for change typical of reformers like Dickens or Dostoevsky. Chaucer's focus is more on realistic portrayal than advocating for social change.

Which part of the Canterbury Tales- the "Prologue" or the two tales- did you find most enjoyable or interesting?

The prologue is the part of the Canterbury Tales that I enjoyed the most because it gave me a feeling of what was to come and whether it would be worth reading. It also had many humorous elements in it, which made me happy to read Chaucer's work. The characters really didn't interest me but I did enjoy how they were all so different from each other. Some were also very interesting and fun to read about like Sir Thopas. I think the reason why I was asked to study this book in school is because it is one of the most famous works in all of English literature and therefore we should know about it.

What caused the ulcer on the cook's leg in The Canterbury Tales?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the cause of the cook's leg ulcer, or "mormal," is not specified. The narrator highlights the irony that although the cook is skilled in making "blankmanger," a dish used as a health remedy in the Middle Ages, he cannot heal his own wound. The ulcer's presence underscores the tragic irony of his culinary prowess being unable to cure his ailment, but its cause remains unknown.

In The Canterbury Tales, what is the tabard?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the Tabard is the inn in Southwark where the characters gather before beginning their pilgrimage to Canterbury. Established in the early 14th century, it was a popular lodging for travelers on this route. Chaucer mentions the Tabard in the General Prologue, highlighting it as a place where the pilgrims meet and rest, using terms like "hostelry" and "inn" to indicate it as a place of lodging.

What is the importance of Harry Bailey in the Canterbury Tales?

Harry Bailey plays a crucial role in The Canterbury Tales as the host and initiator of the storytelling contest among the pilgrims. By proposing that each pilgrim tells four stories in total, with the prize being a dinner at the others' expense, he creates the framework for the narrative. His participation as the judge of the stories not only adds structure to the journey but also propels the plot by encouraging each character to share their tale.

Why does the Physician in "The Canterbury Tales" go on a pilgrimage?

The Physician's reasons for joining the pilgrimage in "The Canterbury Tales" are not explicitly stated by Chaucer. While pilgrims typically seek religious or spiritual fulfillment, the Physician is described as being more focused on his medical practice than on religious study, as noted in the "General Prologue." This raises questions about his motivations for participating in a religious journey, which Chaucer leaves unanswered, adding complexity to his character.

Why did the "Skipper" go to Canterbury?

The "Skipper" goes to Canterbury as part of a pilgrimage, a common practice for people of all backgrounds to pay homage to saints and martyrs. Although the Prologue does not specify his exact reasons, it highlights his skills as an excellent sailor familiar with navigation and the seas, despite his reputation as a thief who steals wine and forces prisoners to walk the plank.

What mode of transportation do the pilgrims use in The Canterbury Tales?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the pilgrims travel on horseback to Canterbury. The General Prologue mentions stables, and several characters, like the Oxford Clerk and the Cook, are specifically described as riding horses. The Cook, for instance, nearly falls off his horse in the prologue to the Manciple's Tale, highlighting the use of this mode of transportation throughout the journey.

What does Chaucer compare the Squire to in nature in The Canterbury Tales?

Chaucer compares the Squire to soft, natural elements like flowers and songbirds in "The Canterbury Tales." He describes the Squire as being embroidered like a meadow bed full of fresh flowers and likens him to a nightingale, emphasizing his beauty and romantic nature. These comparisons highlight the Squire's youthful charm and preoccupation with love rather than his military prowess.

Explain why the Skipper in The Canterbury Tales was an unskilled horseman.

The General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales suggests that the Skipper, or Shipman, as he's also known, isn't a very skilled horseman. He rides upon a "rouncy," or cart-horse, as far as he knows how, which is an indication that he's not much good at riding horses.

Why was the Miller chosen to lead the pilgrims at the start of their journey?

The Miller was chosen to lead the pilgrims for two possible reasons. One explanation is his musical skill with the bagpipes, which set a lively tone for the journey. Alternatively, his boisterous and strong-willed nature may have compelled him to take the lead, with the others following out of necessity. Both interpretations reflect aspects of his character in "The Canterbury Tales."

Who is accepted as the leader by the pilgrims in the Prologue?

The pilgrims in the Prologue accept the narrator, also named Geoffrey Chaucer, as their leader. It's important to distinguish this character from the actual poet Geoffrey Chaucer. The narrator introduces the pilgrims, organizes their journey to Canterbury, and guides them through their storytelling. His role is to offer observations of the pilgrims to the audience, establishing him as the leader of the group.

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