General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

by Geoffrey Chaucer

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Themes: Realism and Representation of Society

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In his preface to Fables Ancient and Modern (1700) the seventeenth century poet laureate John Dryden commented that The Canterbury Tales offers the reader “God’s plenty,” that here one finds “the various manners and humoursof the whole English nation in [Chaucer’s] age.” The “General Prologue” does indeed portray a cross-section of fourteenth century England’s middle class. Although both Chaucer and his wife belonged to court circles, none of the pilgrims come from the aristocracy, nor are any of them destitute. The picture that Chaucer presents is at least in part painted from life. The Cook who accompanies the five guildsmen bears the name, if not all the traits, of the actual victualer Hodge of Ware. The Merchant may be patterned after Gilbert Mawfield, to whom Chaucer and some of his friends owed money. The Prioress speaks French in the manner of one from Stratford-at-Bow. Near that town was the Benedictine convent of St. Leonard’s. Chaucer’s first audiences may have recognized the model for his worldly nun.

Expert Q&A

What is Chaucer's main reason for writing about the pilgrimage in "The Prologue"?

Chaucer's main reason for writing about the pilgrimage in "The Prologue" is to introduce the characters and the setting, while also satirizing aspects of medieval life. By describing the pilgrims and their social statuses, Chaucer critiques the corruption within the church and nobility, using irony and stereotypical characterizations to highlight moral and character flaws.

What is Chaucer's message in the prologue to The Canterbury Tales?

In the prologue to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer's message is to introduce a diverse group of pilgrims, each representing different aspects of Medieval society, and to set up a storytelling contest among them. While claiming to be an impartial reporter, Chaucer uses humor and satire to subtly criticize societal flaws, encouraging readers to recognize and amend their own faults.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Chaucer's "The General Prologue"?

"The General Prologue" of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is praised for its pioneering use of Middle English, bridging linguistic divides of the time. Chaucer's ability to depict realistic characters from various social classes, facilitated by his societal position, is a significant strength. The use of a pilgrimage as a narrative framework and the inclusion of iambic pentameter enhance the work's appeal. However, the text does not explicitly mention any weaknesses.

Why does spring make people "long to go on pilgrimages" in the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales?

In "The General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales, spring inspires people to go on pilgrimages due to its associations with renewal, hope, and the end of winter's confinement. The season's regenerative qualities, symbolized by rain nourishing the earth, mirror the human desire for movement and exploration. Pilgrimages were as much social and recreational as religious, offering an opportunity to travel and enjoy warmer weather after the harshness of winter.

Chaucer's Prologue in The Canterbury Tales as a microcosm of fourteenth-century English society

Chaucer's Prologue in The Canterbury Tales serves as a microcosm of fourteenth-century English society by depicting a diverse group of pilgrims from various social classes and occupations. Their interactions and stories reflect the complexities, values, and issues of the time, providing insight into the social dynamics and cultural norms of medieval England.

In The Canterbury Tales "Prologue", what criticisms does Chaucer share about Medieval society?

In the Prologue of The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer critiques Medieval society, particularly church corruption, through irony. While the naive narrator praises all characters, including the corrupt Friar and Pardoner, the reader discerns the irony. Chaucer highlights the hypocrisy of church officials by contrasting them with virtuous characters like the Knight and the Parson, who embody humility and genuine piety, thereby exposing the failings of the church and society's moral decay.

What is Chaucer's viewpoint on the social, economic, and religious institutions represented in The Canterbury Tales?

In "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer critiques social, economic, and religious institutions through his character portrayals. He generally favors the aristocracy, as seen with the positive depictions of the Knight and the Squire. However, he is critical of the clergy, highlighting their hypocrisy and moral failings, except for the virtuous Parson. Chaucer's view of tradesmen is mixed, noting their flaws, while he admires the strong-willed Wife of Bath despite her faults.

Why are people gathered at the inn in Chaucer's General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales?

In Chaucer's "General Prologue" to The Canterbury Tales, people gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark to embark on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. This journey is inspired by the arrival of spring and the desire to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, a martyred saint and former Archbishop of Canterbury. The diverse group of pilgrims, united by this common purpose, are offered a storytelling contest by their host to entertain them on their journey.

What does "The Prologue" reveal about Chaucer's view of the clergy?

"The Prologue" reveals Chaucer's critical view of the clergy through gentle irony, highlighting their worldliness and hypocrisy. While Chaucer portrays them as wealthy and indulgent, he contrasts this with the Parson, who genuinely embodies Christian values by living humbly and prioritizing his flock. Chaucer's use of irony serves both comic and moral purposes, subtly critiquing the Church's corruption while acknowledging its spiritual significance within society.

Who is the Plowman in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales?

The Plowman in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is depicted as a virtuous and devout Christian, embodying ideals of hard work, peace, and charity. He is a "trewe swynkere," or true laborer, who lives in harmony with others and is willing to help the poor without payment. Chaucer portrays him as a model Christian, akin to his brother, the Parson. This portrayal likely references the character Piers the Plowman from William Langland's work.

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