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The Canterbury Tales

by Geoffrey Chaucer

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The Canterbury Tales Characters

The main characters in The Canterbury Tales include the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, and the Monk.

  • The Wife of Bath is a colorful, opinionated woman who has outlived five husbands. She tells a tale of a knight who must discover what women truly desire.
  • The Pardoner is a greedy, hypocritical clergyman who profits by taking donations for his spiritual services and fake holy relics.
  • The Monk is a supposedly religious man who prefers a life of luxury to one of poverty and prayer.

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Characters

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The Wife of Bath

The Wife of Bath, identified as Alice, stands out as one of the most vibrant and memorable characters in The Canterbury Tales. Renowned for her colorful attire with bright red clothing and a face to match, she embodies a larger-than-life presence. Her strong opinions and candid nature make her an outspoken figure; she never shies away from voicing her thoughts. Having married and outlived five husbands, she has emerged as a prosperous and independent businesswoman. Despite her assertiveness and independence, Alice professes a preference for being married and zealously defends the institution of marriage against any detractors, armed with personal experiences as proof. She dismisses the notion of virginity, instead ensuring her husbands labor to satisfy her desires. Her tale concludes with the theme that a woman's deepest wish is to have sovereignty over her own life. Through her character, Alice illustrates her belief that for marriage to thrive, a woman must hold dominion. This is vividly depicted in her narrative about a loathsome lady who transforms into a fair woman when her husband yields to her will.

The Pardoner

The Pardoner is a quintessential charlatan and takes pride in his deceptive craft. As a pardoner, he is supposed to offer the sacrament of confession across various locations, yet he does so only for monetary gain. His hypocrisy is glaring as he ardently preaches against greed while his own life revolves around accumulating wealth through fraudulent relics and spiritual services, which ought to be freely given. The relics he peddles are mere animal bones and nondescript pieces of cloth, devoid of any authenticity. Despite this, he remains unrepentant, steadfastly living by his own rules and showing utter disregard for societal judgments. The Pardoner's tale, a sermon against the sin of avarice, ultimately serves as a hypocritical reflection of his own character, as he attempts to sell the same fake relics to his fellow pilgrims.

The Knight

The Knight embodies the ideals of nobility, chivalry, and valor. A distinguished figure who has fought valiantly in numerous battles, he carries himself with humility, devoid of any pretentious pride. His attire and armor are notably worn, indicating his prioritization of the pilgrimage over personal appearance and suggestive of a possible act of penance. Accompanied by his son, the Squire, and his attendant, the Yeoman, the Knight narrates the first tale in the series, a metrical romance filled with themes of courtly love. It recounts the story of two young Theban noblemen, Palamon and Arcite, and their rivalry for the affection of Emily, the sister-in-law of Duke Theseus of Athens. The tale's dignified and reflective nature mirrors the Knight's own upright character.

The Friar

The Friar, known as Huberd, is a jovial character with a penchant for money and female company. Enjoying the revelry of taverns and the luxury of fine clothing, he diverges from the traditional image of a devout friar who embraces poverty. Huberd is reputed to be the most skilled beggar in his order and exhibits a worldly demeanor. He shares a fabliau about a summoner who loses his soul to the devil, a story that intentionally provokes the ire of the Summoner in their group. His rivalry with the Summoner is marked by spite, as each uses their tales to insult the other.

The Summoner

The Summoner is depicted as a lecherous and gluttonous character, whose corrupt nature is as visible as his blotchy face. Despite holding the role of a court official tasked with summoning sinners to face church courts, he is primarily driven by the lure of bribes. His rivalry with the Friar is evident, with both using their tales as weapons to belittle each other. The Summoner's story, crafted in retaliation, features a friar as the subject of coarse humor, reflecting the ongoing animosity between the two pilgrims.

The Monk

Chaucer’s Monk is a figure who blatantly defies the expectations of monastic life. He shuns the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, opting instead for hunting, fine clothing, and indulgences in food and entertainment. This hedonistic lifestyle aligns more with that of a noble layman than a devout religious. His tale, filled with tragic examples of individuals who fall from grace, serves as a cautionary narrative, although he seems oblivious to its potential applicability to his own life. The Monk’s preferences starkly contrast with the ideal of a prayerful, ascetic existence.

The Prioress

The Prioress, Madame Eglentyn, travels with a small retinue, including another nun and three priests. She presents herself as a dainty and devout individual, sharing a narrative about a young martyr and his miraculous song to the Virgin Mary. However, Chaucer hints at her susceptibility to worldly distractions, particularly her affection for courtly manners and etiquette, even extending her airs to the care of her little dogs. Her emotional sensitivity often appears exaggerated, as demonstrated by her tears over a trapped mouse, and her elegance, suggested by her attire and rosary beads, hints at her pretentiousness towards nobility. Her tale, fittingly aligned with her persona, tells of a schoolboy killed for his faith, with his death unveiled by a miracle attributed to the Virgin Mary.

The Parson

The Parson stands out among the pilgrims for his genuine piety and dedication. His commitment to his parishioners is unwavering, as he leads by example and chooses mercy over judgment. Forsaking idle tales, he shares a "merry" narrative on the Seven Deadly Sins, reflecting his focus on spiritual enrichment. Despite his verbosity, as seen in his treatise on penitence, the Parson's sincerity and devotion to his flock are never in doubt, embodying the virtues he preaches. His brother, the Plowman, mirrors his honesty and decency, though he does not share a tale himself.

The Clerk

The Clerk, a serious young scholar at Oxford, is absorbed in his studies, placing them above all else. He avoids secular employment, relying instead on the kindness of friends. His demeanor is humble, his attire modest, and his focus seemingly more on Aristotle than the tales of his companions. In response to the Wife of Bath's advocacy for female dominance in marriage, he narrates the story of Griselda, an endlessly patient wife who endures immense trials from her husband. His tale highlights the virtues of patience and submission, contrasting sharply with the Wife of Bath’s perspective.

The Franklin

The Franklin is a prosperous landowner who relishes in the pleasures of life, aspiring to live as an Epicurean. His wealth allows him to indulge in fine dining and entertainments, and he gains recognition from holding various public offices. His tale, an old Breton lai, blends chivalry with the supernatural, and he humbly apologizes for his lack of education in its telling. His character suggests that his pursuit of pleasure may also encompass a desire for honor and social standing.

The Squire

The Squire, a young man of twenty and the Knight's son, has proven himself in battle yet retains a lively and courteous demeanor. His tale is one of adventure and enchantment, featuring magical gifts given to Canace, the daughter of King Cambiuskan, which include a ring allowing the wearer to communicate with birds, a brass horse for swift travel, and a mirror that reveals truths and futures. Although left unfinished, the Squire's narrative reflects his youthful spirit and eagerness for exploration.

The Merchant

The Merchant, a wealthy and somewhat taciturn businessman, is unhappily married and expresses his grievances through a tale about the pitfalls of unions between older men and younger women. His story involves a husband, January, who is deceived by his youthful wife, May, highlighting the risks and treacheries inherent in such marriages. The Merchant’s narrative underscores his personal cynicism and disillusionment with matrimony.

The Miller

The Miller is a bawdy and boisterous character, known for his crude humor and love of drink. He provokes the Reeve with his tale of a carpenter cuckolded by his young wife and her lover, a narrative filled with ribaldry and wit. His rivalry with the Reeve is a constant source of tension, as each tries to outdo the other in their storytelling. The Miller’s tale, marked by its coarseness, reveals much about his unrefined and rebellious nature.

The Reeve

The Reeve is a lean and irritable man named Oswald, formerly a carpenter and now a steward for a young lord. Enraged by the Miller's tale, he retaliates with a story of a miller who is outwitted by two clever students, who seduce both the miller’s wife and daughter. His tale serves as a pointed insult to the Miller, reflecting their ongoing feud. The Reeve carries a rusty sword, perhaps symbolizing his own moral corrosion and tendency towards deceit.

The Host

Harry Bailley, the Host of the Tabard Inn, is the mastermind behind the storytelling contest, promising a free meal to the winner upon their return. As a natural leader, he exerts control over the narrative flow and mediates disputes among the pilgrims. The Host is unafraid to voice his opinions, even interrupting Chaucer to criticize his poor rhymes and openly admitting his boredom with the Monk’s tale. His expressive nature and readiness to offer praise or criticism solidify his role as a dynamic and influential figure within the traveling group.

Chaucer the Narrator

Geoffrey Chaucer, the author, cleverly inserts himself into The Canterbury Tales as a character, playing the role of a humble and mild-mannered narrator. His attempt to recite the Tale of Sir Thopas is humorously interrupted due to its dullness, leading him to offer the story of Melibeus and Prudence instead. Through his character, Chaucer provides an observant and insightful portrayal of his fellow pilgrims, capturing their personalities with a keen eye.

The Canon and The Canon’s Yeoman

The Canon, a clergyman in charge of a cathedral, briefly joins the pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. His departure is prompted by insinuations of his dubious practices as an alchemist. In contrast, the Canon’s Yeoman remains with the group, sharing an anecdote about a canon who deceives a priest, mirroring his master’s deceitful tendencies. Their inclusion adds an extra layer of intrigue and commentary on the deceit prevalent in certain religious circles.

Expert Q&A

What is the social class of the Wife of Bath in The Canterbury Tales?

The Wife of Bath in The Canterbury Tales is of the merchant class. She earns her wealth through her business as a cloth maker and has been married and widowed five times, allowing her to own her business. Her elaborate clothing and extensive travels indicate her success and wealth, distinguishing her from the aristocratic upper class and the lower class.

Who are the members of the clergy in The Canterbury Tales?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the clergy members on the pilgrimage to Canterbury include the Prioress, Monk, Friar, Nun, Priest, Cleric, Parson, Summoner, Pardoner, and Canon. Notably, characters like the Summoner and Pardoner are depicted as corrupt, reflecting the Church's issues during the Middle Ages. The Summoner extorts money by threatening summonses, while the Pardoner sells indulgences for personal gain. These portrayals highlight the moral complexities of the clergy in Chaucer's time.

In The Canterbury Tales, how does Chaucer describe the Knight and the Squire?

Chaucer describes the Knight as an exemplary figure embodying truth, honor, generosity, and courtesy, having proven himself in battle and jousts. He is modest and not ostentatious, earning the title of a "perfect gentle-knight." The Squire, the Knight's son, is depicted as a youthful, handsome, and passionate young man, skilled in riding, dancing, and jousting, with a courteous demeanor and experience in battle, likely to follow his father's noble path.

In The Canterbury Tales, which three pilgrims' appearances reveal their inner natures?

In "The Canterbury Tales," three pilgrims whose appearances reveal their inner natures are the Prioress, the Wife of Bath, and the Clerk. The Prioress is dainty and worldly, with rich attire, suggesting vanity rather than piety. The Wife of Bath's flamboyant and colorful clothing reflects her bold, independent nature. The Clerk's emaciated look and ragged clothes indicate his dedication to learning over material wealth. Chaucer uses these descriptions to satirize societal norms.

What is the Manciple's appearance in The Canterbury Tales?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the Manciple's physical appearance is not described by Chaucer. Instead, the focus is on his role as a purchasing agent for a group of lawyers, highlighting his shrewdness and market knowledge despite lacking formal education. Chaucer admires his cleverness but hints at his dishonesty, suggesting he might be skimming money. The Manciple is inferred to be of average appearance, as any notable physical traits would likely have been mentioned.

How is the Man of Law's appearance and dress described in The Canterbury Tales?

In The Canterbury Tales, the Man of Law is depicted as a dignified and knowledgeable lawyer who has become a judge. He is wealthy, owning much land, and is respected for his legal expertise. His appearance is modest, wearing a simple coat with a silk belt. He has a white beard and a ruddy complexion, indicating a life of indulgence. Despite his unassuming attire, he enjoys social prestige and holds various prestigious offices.

What are the Skipper's traits and actions in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales?

In "The General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales, the Skipper is depicted as a practical and skilled sailor from the west, likely Dartmouth. He rides an unimpressive horse and wears simple wool garments. His face is sunburnt, and he carries a weapon with a cord. Morally dubious, he steals wine and lacks conscience, yet he is a master of his trade, skilled in navigation and astronomy, known for surviving storms and commanding the ship Madeleine.

Compare and contrast the Pardoner and the Monk in The Canterbury Tales.

The two characters are very different, but they also have a number of similarities. Firstly, they both hold official positions within the Catholic Church. The Pardoner is an ecclesiast who preaches to people on behalf of the church; the Monk is a monk - or friar - who lives in a monastery and follows a strict religious code of conduct. The two characters are similar in that they both flout their rules. The Pardoner cheats people out of money by claiming to be able to absolve them from their sins; the Monk breaks his monastic vows by drinking alcohol and eating meat. However, whereas the Pardoner'

What is the significance of the dyer in The Canterbury Tales?

The dyer in "The Canterbury Tales" symbolizes the emerging middle class in medieval English society, reflecting the social mobility and economic opportunities following the Black Death. Chaucer includes the dyer alongside more prominent travelers to highlight this societal change. However, the dyer and other tradesmen do not tell a tale, suggesting a commentary on the persistent social hierarchy despite these transformations, where the traditional upper classes still dominate the narrative.

"I took him for a gelding or a mare" describes which character in The Canterbury Tales?

The phrase "I took him for a gelding or a mare" describes the Pardoner in The Canterbury Tales. The narrator perceives the Pardoner as effeminate or possibly a eunuch, noting his long, flax-like hair, soft voice, and lack of a beard. This description implies ambiguity about the Pardoner's sexuality and highlights his deceitful nature, as he is known for swindling people. The Pardoner's character is central to themes of greed and false piety in the story.

What is each character's rank in "The Canterbury Tales"?

In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer presents a social commentary of society through his characters. Each character comes from a different part of England and travels to Canterbury to visit the site of Thomas Beckett's (the Archbishop of Canterbury) death. Throughout their trip, each pilgrim tells a tale. This allows the reader to learn more about who they are as a person. The Canterbury Tales takes place during the Middle Ages, so his characters embody the time and changes occurring during this time.

In "The Canterbury Tales," what is the weaver's job and attire?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the Weaver is actually the Wife of Bath. Her job involves making clothes, and she is renowned for her attire. Chaucer describes her wearing heavy head-dresses, finest red stockings, new shoes, a large wimple, and a wide hat. She is bold-faced, gap-toothed, and well-traveled, having been married five times. Her attire reflects her wealth and experience, and she is knowledgeable about love's "old dance."

Write a character analysis of either the monk, friar, franklin, or parson from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," based on the "Prologue" and any relevant comments.

Information about the Franklin's character can be found on pages 12 and 408 of Nevill Coghill's translation of "The Canterbury Tales." The Franklin lives a lavish lifestyle even though he is not of noble birth. The Franklin is not familiar with the art of rhetoric and his actions makes this apparent within the listed citations.

What do Chaucer's descriptions of the pilgrims' physical attributes and dress reveal about their nature?

Chaucer's descriptions of the pilgrims' physical attributes and dress in The Canterbury Tales reveal their true natures through satire. The Knight's simple, dirty attire reflects his sincerity. In contrast, the Prioress and Monk's luxurious clothing highlight their vanity and hypocrisy. The Merchant's and Wife of Bath's vibrant garments suggest wealth and ambition, while the Miller's deceptive attire indicates his dishonest nature. These descriptions expose the characters' virtues and vices, often critiquing societal roles.

How is the Clerk from the Canterbury Tales an idealistic character?

The idealistic character of the Clerk is juxtaposed against the Squire and the Lawyer in Canterbury Tales. The Clerk is a poor student whose town and background are unknown, but he appears to be young and educated. He lives a simple life and has no interest in material things because he believes that people should live temperately and have free will.

Which deadly sin is the Oxford Cleric from The Canterbury Tales guilty of?

The deadly sin that the Clerk of Oxenford could be considered guilty of is greed or sloth. He could be guilty of these by being greedy for knowledge or slothful in not working to gain preferment. However, these are relatively weak cases, and he is, overall, one of the more admirable characters in The Canterbury Tales.

What is the moral character of the Oxford Cleric in The Canterbury Tales?

The Oxford Cleric in "The Canterbury Tales" is portrayed as a character deeply committed to learning and books, having rejected materialism for intellectual pursuits. His lean appearance and serious demeanor reflect his ascetic lifestyle. He speaks only when necessary, with brevity and meaning, embodying moral virtue. However, Chaucer's irony suggests his teachings might not be enthusiastically received, presenting him as a somewhat dull character who sacrifices worldly pleasures for scholarly endeavors.

What are the primary features of Chaucer's characterization in The Canterbury Tales?

Chaucer's characterization in The Canterbury Tales is marked by detailed descriptions of apparel, physical features, and the use of juxtaposition. Clothing descriptions indicate social class and priorities, while physical traits often reveal moral characteristics, using Medieval beliefs like the Humours. Additionally, Chaucer uses juxtaposition to highlight hypocrisy, particularly among clerical characters, enhancing his satire of various social classes. His critical approach spans across noble, merchant, and church estates, sparing few from critique.

Which character from The Canterbury Tales is described as entertaining, friendly, and solicitous?

The character described as entertaining, friendly, and solicitous in "The Canterbury Tales" is the Nun, also known as the Prioress. Chaucer portrays her as striving for a courtly grace and dignity, being charitably solicitous, and showing sympathy, such as weeping over a mouse in a trap. However, her actions, like feeding her dogs luxurious food, suggest a disconnect from the true needs of the poor, highlighting her superficial piety.

How do the Knight, the Parson, and the Plowman represent the three traditional estates in "The Canterbury Tales"?

In "The Canterbury Tales," the Knight, Parson, and Plowman represent the three traditional estates: nobility, clergy, and peasantry. The Knight exemplifies the noble ideals of chivalry, honor, and faith, joining the pilgrimage after returning from battles. The Parson, a low-ranking yet virtuous clergyman, leads his parishioners with kindness. His brother, the Plowman, is a devout Christian embodying the hardworking peasantry, content with his humble status while demonstrating love and charity.

Characterization of Pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales

In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer's portrayal of pilgrims in "The General Prologue" is nuanced, often using irony. The Knight and the Parson are idealized, embodying virtues expected of their roles. The Knight is depicted as noble and chivalrous, while the Parson is a model of piety and humility, contrasting with the corrupt clergy. The Plowman, the Parson's brother, is also idealized for his honesty and hard work. These characters are praised for their integrity and sincerity.

What traits do the characters in "The Pardoner's Tale" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale" from The Canterbury Tales represent?

In "The Pardoner's Tale," the Pardoner, a church figure, ironically embodies greed and hypocrisy, preaching against vices he himself possesses. His tale of three greedy men dying due to their avarice highlights these traits. In "The Wife of Bath's Tale," the Wife of Bath represents independence and desire for control. Her story of a knight learning that women want sovereignty in relationships aligns with her assertive and wealthy character, gained through multiple marriages.

How does Chaucer indirectly characterize the Knight, Monk, Franklin, Wife of Bath, and Pardoner?

Chaucer uses indirect characterization to reveal the true nature of his characters through irony and subtle hints. The Knight, while praised for his chivalry, may be traumatized by his violent past. The Monk, better suited for battle than prayer, neglects his monastic duties. The Franklin and Wife of Bath are depicted as indulgent, enjoying life's pleasures. These indirect clues, contrasted with the narrator's naive praise, reveal deeper insights into each character's personality.

Who is the brother of the Plowman in The Canterbury Tales?

In The Canterbury Tales, the Plowman's brother is the Parson. Like the Plowman, the Parson is one of the twenty-nine pilgrims who are traveling to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket.

Discuss the virtues and vices of the Pardoner, Summoner, Narrator, and Harry Bailley in The Canterbury Tales.

The Pardoner in The Canterbury Tales is greedy and manipulative, exploiting his religious role for profit, yet his transparency can be seen as a virtue. The Summoner, marked by corruption and bribery, exposes the church's moral failings, which can be considered his virtue. Harry Bailley, the Host, is kind and tolerant but avoids deep emotions, seeking to keep interactions light. The Narrator, Chaucer, reveals personal biases through selective storytelling, reflecting his preferences and prejudices.

The role and description of the doctor in The Canterbury Tales

The Doctor in The Canterbury Tales is portrayed as a knowledgeable and skilled physician who profits from his practice. He is well-versed in medical authorities and astrology, using these to diagnose and treat patients. However, Chaucer also highlights the Doctor's greed and love for gold, indicating that his medical practice is driven more by profit than by genuine care for patients.

In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, which class do most characters belong to: upper, middle, or working?

In Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, most characters belong to the middle class, particularly those in the clergy. While they are meant to take vows of poverty, many clergy members, like the Monk and Friar, live comfortably, enjoying wealth and status akin to the upper-middle class. However, there are exceptions, such as the Parson, who genuinely adheres to his vow of poverty and represents the working class.

Chaucer's portrayal of characters in The Canterbury Tales both negatively and positively

In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer portrays characters both negatively and positively to reflect the diversity of human nature. Positive portrayals include the Knight, who embodies chivalry and honor, and the Parson, who is genuinely pious. Conversely, characters like the Pardoner and the Friar are depicted negatively, highlighting their hypocrisy and corruption. This dual portrayal underscores the complexity of medieval society.

The Pardoner's Role, Traits, and Symbolism in The Canterbury Tales

In The Canterbury Tales, the Pardoner's character is depicted as morally corrupt and hypocritical, using his church position for personal gain. His physical traits, such as thin, wax-like hair, a goat-like voice, and lack of facial hair, symbolize his inner depravity and emasculation. These features suggest a lack of masculinity and spiritual deficiency. The Pardoner's occupation aligns with his character, as he exploits the church's practice of selling indulgences, further emphasizing his greed and deceitfulness. Despite his contemptible nature, he adds a comic and sinister element to the tales.

Chaucer's portrayal of the nun in The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's portrayal of the nun in The Canterbury Tales is satirical. He depicts her as a woman overly concerned with appearances and manners, which contrasts with the expected humility and piety of her religious role. Her pretentious behavior and material interests highlight the gap between her duties and her actions.

Description and role of the Friar in The Canterbury Tales

The Friar in The Canterbury Tales is depicted as a corrupt and immoral religious figure who abuses his position for personal gain. He is described as a jovial and well-dressed man who ingratiates himself with the wealthy while neglecting the poor. His role highlights the hypocrisy and corruption within the Church during Chaucer's time.

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