Canterbury Tales Prologue

The Yeoman

A yeoman is an attendant in the Royal Court. The social class of a yeoman is one step below the social class of a knight and a squire. This Yeoman is an attendant of the Knight He has a coat and a hood that are both green, and a bow and peacock-feathered arrows (line 106). He is said to be a forester (line 121)

Irony

An event characterized by an incongruity between what the expectations of a situation are and what is really the case, with a third element, the defines what is really the case is ironic because of the situation that led to it.

Rhyme Scheme

Canterbury Tales is written in verse with a very definite rhyme scheme. Most is written in a rhyming couplet- aa, bb, cc, dd. It is the simplest rhyme scheme in poetry. The technique is used generally for shorter pieces, to give the poem pave and keep it moving. Most often associated with children's nursery rhymes because of their simplicity.

Reality

Chaucer only completed about 24 tales We have a number of the tale in fragments. It is unknown whether Chaucer finished the tales or it was too ambitious a task. The order of tales is unknown as well. It is known that the Knight tells the first tale, then the Miller's Taler. After that it is more or less guess work to determine whose tale is next.

Chaucer's body of work

Chaucer was a noted writer of both poetry and prose. The Canterbury Tales is considered to be his magnum opus. Although it was probably not the first work to do so, it popularized the use of the vernacular English for a major work of literature. Previously authors chose to write their works in Latin or French. The key takeaway is that he legitimized the use of the Middle English in England.

Characterization- direct vs. indirect

Direct Characterization- This is what the reader is explicitly told about the character. Ex: Joe is an extrovert. From this it is clear that Joe thrives in social settings. Indirect Characterization- This is what is shown about the character's personality. Example- Joe was overjoyed to attend the party. From the moment he saw his friends, he never stopped talking. It seemed as though he became more energized as the evening went along. To determine the examine the characters: Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Action and Looks STEAL

Anthology

Genre. A collection of stories. This story is an anthology.

Author

Geoffrey Chaucer

Guild-Fraternity

Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker. (Five Members) Said to be fit to be a burgesses (members of a legislative body). They are part of the new middle-class seeking upper-class status. Shown by their clothes. They either agree with wives' demands or follow wives' advice to seek higher status.

The Knight

Has the highest social status among the pilgrims so he makes a good starting point, follows chivalry (an antiquated ideal even at Chaucer's time) [Line 46: "Truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy."], is brave and loves action/adventure. He is wise and modest, and is just returning home from a campaign and is giving thanks. Must be a good warrior to have survived.

The Monk

He is a hunter. Activities like hunting were forbidden by the rules of St. Benedict, but the Monk dismisses this as an old rule that is too strict. He dresses extravagantly. He is fat and bald. His clothing and appearance suggest wealth and activity. The narrator agrees with the Monk's ignoring of the monastic rules

The Oxford Cleric

He is a student, and does not take pride in his appearance; this suggests that he is not worldly and would rather read his books. He uses money to further his education. His area of study is philosophy, and his interests are learning and teaching.

The Sergeant at the Law

He's an expert in drawing up legal documents for the transferring of the ownership of property. Avery busy man, but makes the effort to appear even busier than he actually is (lines 331-332) He's skilled at his job

The Friar

His name is Hubert, a member of the so-called "Four Orders", so he supported himself by begging. He accepts bribes and gives out easy penances (lines 225-230) Lines 244-254: Instead of helping the poor and outcasts (such as lepers) he associates with the rich bc the wealthy can give him money. He is a skilled speaker and singer.

The Manciple

In charge of buying victuals (food) at the Inner Temple (basically a law school). He is illiterate (line 592) but outwits his masters who are lawyers. He is very frugal.

The Narrator

Is on the pilgrimage though he seems to be omniscient. Will talk about the first night. Asks the reader to forgive him for recording what the pilgrims said as literally as possible. The tales might be "unmannerly" (lines 746) Uses Jesus and Plato to give credence to the idea that he should speak bluntly and as closely to what the pilgrims actually said.

The Doctor

Line 432: 'He was a perfect practicing physician." Well-versed in the writings of famous doctors from the ancient world through his own time. Does not read the Bible much, and does not spend the money that he earns because he is frugal. He loves gold (line 454), implying that his skill is an effect of his desire for wealth.

The Miller

Physically imposing man. He weighs 224 lbs. "A wrangler and a buffoon" (Line 576), but skilled at stealing grain. Call pull a door off its hinge or smash it with his head. He has a wart on his nose. Carries a sword and plays the bagpipes.

Chaucer

was born around the year 1343 in London, England into a middle class family. He served as a page in the Royal Court as a teenager, and although the position of the page is one of a low-ranking servant, it exposed Chaucer to a number of different ideas and cultures. It showed him how the wealthy elite of his time acted. Date of Death: Oct 25, 1400

The Nun (Prioress)

She has the title of Prioress, which is a high ranking position in an abbey, a building occupied by nuns. Called Madam Eglantyne by the narrator (possibly ironic), she "counterfeits a courtly kind of grace" (line 144). She speaks French poorly, trying to imitate the upper-class. She is very dainty, which is a source of criticism from the narrator. She wears jewelry suggesting wealth and worldliness

The Skipper

Takes wine from traders while they sleep. Ruthless with his enemies, but wise and skilled at planning. A skilled navigator but struggles to ride a horse. The barge he owns is called The Maudelayne, which is an ironic name for the unsentimental sailor. Maudlin: self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental.

The Prologue

The pilgrimage begins on April 11, 1387. The actual tales were published around 1475. The pilgrimages meet at The Tabard Inn, which is located in Southwark. From the inn, the pilgrims will set out to Canterbury, the place of a shrine to St. Thomas a Becket.

Conclusion of the General Prologue

The pilgrims agree to the Host's proposal. They wake up early the next morning and set out. The pilgrims draw straws to determine who will tell the first tale.

The Squire

The son of the Knight. Described as a "lover and a cadet" (Line 28) Not young as he is already in his 20s. Moderate stature (Line 85) but has experience in battle. He fights to impress a lady. He makes an effort to look good (curly and possibly pressed hair from Line 28). Plays music and is loyal to his father.

The Franklin

The term comes from the Middle English word frankelein. It means freeman. He is a wealthy landowner, described as a son of Epicurus (Line 346) so he lives for pleasure. He takes great delight in food and drink.

Background about the plot

There are 30 pilgrims, with one being the narrator. They meet at the Tabard Inn, which is located in Southwark (Central London). From there the pilgrims will proceed to the shrine of Saint Thomas Beckett, which is located in Canterbury. The journey is about 60 miles.

Religious Pilgrimages

This is a journey that has a certain moral/religious significance. On of the Pillars of Islam calls for a pilgrimage to Mecca called the hajj. In Christianity, pilgrimages to the urial site of Jesus and/or to Rome are common.

The Merchant

He wears a Flemish beaver hat, has a motley type of dress, is quite talkative and claims that he only makes a profit with no losses. Line 290- He was in debt, and his name is unknown

The Host

Says that the pilgrims look "spry" (line 784) Lines 811-821: He proposes that to pass the time, each pilgrim should tell 2 tales on the way to Canterbury and two on the return to home. The prize will be a feast for the winner. The Host will judge who the winner is (line 825) Anyone who disagrees will pay for the expenses of all on the pilgrimages.

The Wife of Bath

Somewhat deaf and has gap-teeth (which was taken as a symbol of desire...). A talented seamstress, she was the first to arrive at the alter at the Sunday services, which shows people respect her position in her community. Married 5 times and had other "company" (Line 471), she's been on many pilgrimages before this one. Gives advice about love; this is what her tale will focus on.

Becket

St. Thomas a Becket was at odds with his former friend Henry II of England. The actual reasons for his assassination are disputed, but 4 knights attacked and killed Becket inside of the Canterbury Cathedral. He is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. He is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as well as the Anglican Church as a saint and martyr. A shrine to Becket was a common site for pilgrims to visit.

About the work

The Canterbury Tales is set up as frame story. An introductory or main narrative is presented for the purpose of setting the stage either for a more emphasized second narrative of for a set of shorter stories. The tales are in both prose and verse.

Structure

The Host, Harry Bailey, of the inn suggests that to pass the time the pilgrims should tell tales. The person who tells the best tale will be rewarded with a meal upon his or her return to the inn. They will tell 2 tales on the way there and 2 on the way back. There were supposed to be 120 tales (30*4=120)

The Prioress's Entourage

The Prioress is traveling with another Nun and 3 Priests. The narrator does not describe them in detail.

Satire

Vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with thee intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government or society itself, into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive.

Frame stories

are often organized as a gathering of people in one place for the exchange of stories. Each character tells his or her tale, and the frame tale progresses in that manner.

The Cook

A companion of the Guild-Fraternity, he makes very good food, so he is skilled. He has an ulcer on his knee.

The Pardoner

A pardoner dispenses papal pardons. This Pardoner rides with the Summoner and they sing together. He has yellow hair that is said to look like rat-tails (line 699), and wears a hat with a relic on it. "Made monkeys of the priest and congregation" (line 726). He is a dishonest person, a skilled preacher and singer but uses his talents to make money for himself. He has pardons from Rome.

The Parson

A parson is a priest of an independent parish This Parson is a paragon of virtue: he lives out what he professes to believe in. This marks him out as different from other characters such as the Friar and the Pardoner. Poor with respect to money, but he is "rich in holy thought and work" (line 489). His behavior exhibits "how the sheep should live" (line 516) Not trying to move on from his current appointment but devotes his life to helping others.

The Plowman

A plowman is a farm laborer who is part of the lower-class. This Plowman is the brother of the Parson. Just like his brother, he lives a life filled with virtue. He helps the poor not for money but "for love of Christ" (line 551). He pays tithes (10%) on what he earns and owns.

The Reeve

A reeve is an estate manager. He supervises land for lords and is elected by serfs. This Reeve is old, frail-looking, and irritable. Lines 622-623: "He knew their dodges, knew their every trick;/ Feared like the plague he was, by those beneath." He is a carpenter as well, and rides at the back of the cavalcade.

The Summoner

A summoner's duty was to serve summonses to church courts. His appearance frightens children. He's frequently drunk and while drunk, he speaks in Latin, despite only knowing a few phrases Lines 667-669: "Allows men to keep concubines and pardons that sin for a mere quart of wine." Uses his power for personal gain.