General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a lively doorway into a medieval world of travellers, stories, and social satire. This guide is written for all readers—enjoyable if you love literature—and at the same time useful for exam preparation (important facts are bolded for quick spotting).
About the Work
- Title: General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales
- Genre / Mode: Frame narrative; estates satire
- Period: Late 14th century; Middle English
- Composition: c. 1387–1400
- Setting: Tabard Inn, Southwark (London) → pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury
- Pilgrims introduced: ~29 pilgrims + narrator (with the Host coordinating)
- Why it matters: It sketches a panoramic portrait of medieval life, launching the famous tale-telling contest.
About the Author
Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400), often called the “Father of English poetry,” wrote in the London dialect of Middle English. His major works include Troilus and Criseyde, House of Fame, and The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer blends warm humour with sharp observation to create a vivid social tapestry.
Opening Line (from the Original Text)
“Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote, / The droghte of March hath perced to the roote…”
These musical lines celebrate spring—rain, west wind (Zephirus), fresh growth—and explain why people feel drawn to travel and seek renewal. They set the hopeful, bustling mood of departure.
Ending Cue of the Prologue
“Sir Knight… now draw the cut …”
The company agrees to a tale-telling competition. The cheerful Host runs the show, and the Knight begins the first story—a noble start for a varied crowd.
Famous Lines / Key Phrases
- “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote…” — the iconic spring opening.
- “A verray, parfit gentil Knight” — a compact portrait of ideal chivalry.
- “Ful worthy was he in his lordes werre” — the Knight’s honour earned in campaigns.
- “He was an honest man, and trewe” — the Franklin’s virtue and hospitality.
- “Radix malorum est cupiditas” — the Pardoner’s moral tag (“the root of evil is greed”).
Summary (section-wise; smooth for general readers, bold facts for examiners)
I. Spring & the Impulse to Pilgrimage (Lines 1–18)
The Prologue opens with spring’s energy: soft rains, the breath of Zephirus, and the stirring of life. This seasonal renewal becomes a gentle reason for people to travel. The narrator, too, plans a journey to Canterbury.
II. The Company at the Tabard Inn, Southwark
At the Tabard Inn the narrator meets a mixed group—nobles, church folk, professionals, tradesmen—who decide to ride together to St. Thomas Becket’s shrine. Their variety is the seed of Chaucer’s rich social portrait.
III. Portraits of the Pilgrims (highlights)
- Knight — noble, modest, experienced in battle; “a verray, parfit gentil Knight.”
- Squire — the Knight’s son; youthful, artistic, chivalric in a courtly way.
- Prioress (Madame Eglentyne) — polished manners; a brooch inscribed “Amor vincit omnia.”
- Monk — athletic, fond of hunting; enjoys comfort more than cloistered rule.
- Friar — genial and sociable; prefers generous company; practical about money.
- Merchant — well-dressed; businesslike; worldly concerns.
- Clerk (Oxford) — devoted to study; “gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.”
- Sergeant of Law — learned and discreet; an able man of the courts.
- Franklin — famed for hospitality; a cheerful presence who loves good food.
- Guildsmen — the rising town middle class; orderly and prosperous.
- Cook — skilled, with memorable (and earthy) detail.
- Shipman — rugged, worldly; knows the seas and harbours well.
- Physician — learned in humours and astrology; also fond of gold.
- Wife of Bath — expert cloth-maker; widely travelled; proud, witty, and worldly.
- Parson — a truly good priest; patient, charitable, and exemplary.
- Plowman — honest labourer; helpful; the Parson’s brother.
- Miller — brawny, loud, and merry; plays the bagpipes.
- Manciple — shrewd at buying provisions; quietly outwits scholars.
- Reeve — strict estate manager; sharp, saving, and somewhat feared.
- Summoner — a frightening face and fondness for strong drink.
- Pardoner — sells pardons and relics of doubtful truth; glib and persuasive.
Chaucer’s portraits blend outward signs with inner qualities. The result is balanced: sometimes admiring, sometimes ironic, never flat.
IV. The Host (Harry Bailly) and the Contest
The genial Host proposes a game: each traveller will tell two tales going and two returning, and he will judge the best. Friendly rules, a prize supper, and good humour set the stage for storytelling.
V. Drawing Lots; the Knight Begins
At daybreak, lots are drawn to choose who speaks first. The Knight is selected, and his tale opens the sequence with dignity.
Themes & Motifs
- Estates satire — a humane, sometimes teasing, look at different social roles.
- Pilgrimage & Renewal — spiritual travel mirrors spring’s rebirth.
- Appearance vs. Reality — manner and dress hint at morals and values.
- Human Variety — the crowd itself is the Prologue’s great theme.
Character Snapshots (quick cues)
- Knight — ideal chivalry, tested in “Cristendom and hethenesse.”
- Wife of Bath — many journeys, many views on love and marriage.
- Prioress — fine table-manners; “Amor vincit omnia.”
- Pardoner — smooth sermonizer; “Radix malorum est cupiditas.”
- Parson — the genuinely virtuous cleric.
Critical Pointers
- Portrait technique: habits, speech, clothing, and quirks reveal character.
- Tone: warm, observant irony—rarely cruel, often amused.
- Language: Middle English in musical, memorable couplets.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Period | Late 14th century; Middle English |
| Mode | Frame narrative; estates satire |
| Setting | Tabard Inn, Southwark → Canterbury (St. Thomas Becket’s shrine) |
| Pilgrims | ~29 + narrator; Host coordinates |
| Famous Opening | “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote…” | Who starts? | Knight (by lot) |
Continue learning:
→ 50 Important MCQs on Chaucer’s General Prologue (with answers)
→ Take 10-Question Quiz on the General Prologue
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