🖋️ About the Work
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a cornerstone of English literature. Written in Middle English in the late 14th century, the work presents a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. In the General Prologue, Chaucer introduces these characters and sets the stage for their storytelling competition.
📜 Structure and Setting
The Prologue is written in rhymed couplets of iambic pentameter. The setting is the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. The narrator joins 29 pilgrims on a journey to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. To pass the time, each pilgrim is to tell two tales each way; the best story will win a free meal.
👥 Character Sketches
Chaucer presents a wide range of social classes and personalities:
- The Knight: Noble, modest, ideal warrior. “A true, a perfect gentle knight.”
- The Squire: The Knight’s son, youthful and passionate.
- The Prioress: Tries to act courtly, but reveals vanity.
- The Monk: Ignores monastic rules in favor of hunting and wealth.
- The Friar: Corrupt and manipulative, uses confession for profit.
- The Merchant: Pretends to be wealthy, actually in debt.
- The Clerk: Poor but virtuous student who values books over wealth.
- The Wife of Bath: Bold, experienced in marriage, challenges norms.
- The Parson: Genuinely pious and humble clergyman.
- The Pardoner: Sells fake relics, greedy and hypocritical.
📚 Key Themes
- Corruption in the Church: Several clergy characters are satirical targets.
- Social Diversity: Pilgrims represent various classes and occupations.
- Storytelling: Each tale reflects its teller’s personality and values.
- Irony and Satire: Chaucer uses humor and irony to critique society.
📖 Literary Style
The Prologue uses vivid imagery and sharp satire. Chaucer’s use of irony allows readers to see both what characters say and what they truly are. Middle English gives the text a lyrical rhythm when read aloud.
🔍 Quotes
“Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote...” — The famous opening line, celebrating spring and spiritual renewal.
“And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche.” — About the Clerk, showing love for learning.
“That if gold rust, what shall iron do?” — The Parson, emphasizing clergy’s responsibility.
🌟 Significance
The Prologue is not just an introduction—it’s a detailed portrait of medieval life. Chaucer’s pilgrims are archetypes, yet deeply human. Through them, the Prologue offers insight into 14th-century English society and timeless commentary on human nature.
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