The Cantebury Tales

Miller

"Chap of 16 stone"- 224 pounds Big-boned, brawny, broad, knotty, short shouldered likes wrestling (wins the ram at wrestling shows) strong enough to take doors off the hinges or can run and break them down with his head he has a red beard like a fox or sow has a wart on his nose and a tuff of red hair growing out of it has wide black nostrils and a "mighty mouth like a furnace door"- like to tell filthy tavern stories is a "master-hand at stealing grain"- their was a saying that "an honest miller has a golden thumb" this miller is not honest and overcharges his customers by putting his thumb on the scale to increase the weight of the grain and "takes three times his due" wears a white coat and blue hood he may be scottish rough, uncouth, wild, and belligerent-aggressive and warlike, but as ordinary as the most common animal or tool played the bagpipes as the pilgrims left London Scottish man

Five Guildsmen

(Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter,Weaver, Carpet-maker) Haberdasher- a seller of men's clothing and accessories All belong to "One impressive guild-fraternity" (union) Guilds were organizations of trades- people who taught their trades to apprentices and trainees. These guilds were a powerful economic force in that they controlled the quality and price of the goods they produced or served. Their knives were made of silver They were "worthy burgesses"- citizens and "aldermen- town council There wives enjoy being called Madame and they are "gold diggers"

Reeve

A serf or a steward of manor; he sees that the estate's work is done and that everything is accounted for. He inspects everything and imposes fines on the workers if he finds anything wrong ***old, choleric (bad- tempered) and thin, skinny legs Wears his hair like a priest- cut above the ear and docked on the top Chaucer starts out by saying that the Reeve does his job well, but he ends by implying that he is mean to the serfs and has become rich by embezzling money from his masters. He is dishonest and uses people. "A carpenter of first rate skill" rides a dapple-gray horse named Scot ****"Rode the hindmost of our cavalcade"- the last pilgrim in the line of the journey

Skipper

Came from Dartmouth, a costal shipping town on the English Channel, which was known for its piracy and the brutality of its sailors Wears a woolen gown that comes down to his knee Has a dagger on a cord hanging around his "neck under his arm and gown" Has a tan complexion is a thief- stole red and yellow wine in Bordeaux while the trader was sleeping- has no conscience Makes his prisoners "walk the plank"- ruthless man Knew a lot about the harbors, ports, havens, the moon, currents, tides, creeks- a good navigator Owns a barge called The Maudelayne

Woman of Bath

Comes from the city of Bath, which is known for its hot springs- the Romans took from 1st century A.D. and made pools and spas which can still be visited today Somewhat deaf-Was abused by one of her husbands and damaged her hearing Excellent seamstress Is concerned that she is the first one to the alter when she goes to church and that she is wearing the best clothes- people approached the alter according to social rank, so her concern suggests that she cares more about status than spirituality. Wears about 10 pounds of handkerchiefs on her head on Sundays Wears "scarlet red hose gartered tight" Bold handsome face with a red hue, gapped teeth, large hips Wears a large hat/wimple on her head that is broad Has had 5 husbands "all at the church door"- in Chaucer's day, the marriage ceremony was performed at the church door literally. Is a veteran traveler: has been to Jerusalem 3 times, Rome, Boulogne (in france), Compostella (in spain), and Cologne (in Germany)- Jerusalem was the Christian Holy City, Rome was the home of the Pope, Compostella was the resting place of the martyred apostle St. James, and Cologne was the site of the largest Gothic church in the Middle Ages. The Wife of Bath's freedom to travel was not a luxury available to many women in her time. She took full advantage of her freedom. Likes to laugh and chat and "knew the remedy for love's mischances" Bold, assertive, strong, intelligent, frank, stubborn

Knight

Distinguished, honest, generous, brace, and noble christian; has fought in a war 40 years; led the van; has fine horses but does not dress fancy; not hung up in his self image; idealized

Franklin

Franklin is a column not a name A well-to-do landowner, but not of the nobility Santa Clause Figure: white beard, sanguine (red face/ ruddy complexion- cheerful temperament, optimistic) "Loved the morning sop of cake and wine"- medieval britons usually ate only two meals a day: a mid-morning dinner and a early-evening supper. Sop is a mixture of wine, almond milk, ginger, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and various spices which is poured over bread and cake. Described as "Epicurus' very son" because he is a pleasure-seeker who lives for the moment. Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who taught that the goal of life was to live life and seek pleasure. Hospitable, generous with his food, wine, meats, etc.- loved to entertain in his estate. Served as a Member for the Shire- country representative in parliament Served as a Sheriff- and auditor "A model among landed gentry" Seems to be shallow, self-indulgent man who cares to much about eating. He is a gluten; a person who takes things a lot

Parson

Holy-minded man, poor but "rich in holy thought and work" A "learned man"- educated, smart man, Knows Christ's gospel and enjoys teaching it to his parishioners Does not neglect his parish members in "rain or thunder" or "in sickness and grief"- always visits his members Does not hire someone else to perform his duties Carries a stave/staff with him like a shepherd *******There are two metaphors used to characterize the Parson. First, he is compared to a Shepard, and his parish members are compared to a flock of sheep- it is the Parson's duty to watch out for the spiritual health of the flock. Second, the metaphor of gold and iron warns that if gold rusts then surly iron will. This suggests that if the priest sets a poor example, his parish members will follow suit. A good priest because he stays with his parish instead of going to the city to make more money Kind, soft spoken, modest, fair, honest, sets a good example for others to follow.

Summoner

In Chaucer's time, sexual relations outside of marriage were cause for excommunication from the Church, and the Summoner's job was to find the offenders who had "concubines" and deliver them to the Archdeacon for punishment. this Summoner ignores offenders if they pay him or give him wine. Described as a "noble varlet"- scoundrel has a hideous ugly "cherubim" (red cheeks) face that's "on fire" because its covered with puss filled pimples, boils (carbuncles), and sores- no ointment or cream can help his facial problems has black scabby eyebrows, narrow eyes, and a scraggly beard Children are terrified of this guy!!! Loves eating garlic and onions- bad breath!!! Drinks wine until he's "hazy," and when he's drunk, he speaks about 2 or 3 latin phrases- his education is limited.

Pardoner

In the middle ages, a pardoner traveled around to hear confessions and grant absolution, or forgiveness, and was forbidden to accept money, but Chaucer implies that many of them did He and the Summoner ride together on the trip- they are "birds of a feather" which indicates they may have some things in common (same attitudes toward appearance, drinking, and their professions) He has returned from Rome with a bag full of pardons( small strips of parchment with papal seals attached- were sold as indulgences, or pardons for sins, with the proceeds supposedly going to some religious house) Many pardoners were dishonest, and even loyal church members often ridiculed them. Has long yellow hair that hangs like a rats-tail- long hair was a violation of the rule that men who worked for the Church should wear their hair tonsured(short, with a shaved spot at the top, as a symbol of humility) breaking the law of tonsure Has bulging eyeballs, a voice like a goat, and cannot grow hair on his chin/face (beardless)- narrator judges him as "a gelding or mare" meaning that he had been castrated or that he is effeminate ; believes he had been castrated (removing the testosterone hormone) because of what he likes to sing and not being able to grow hair Has a trunk full of relics, but they are fake ones- relics are the remains (bones, hair, garments, and so on) of a holy person. Saying a prayer with a relic in hand was though to bring an indulgence, or limited respite from the pains of purgatory after death. Some relics were fake, but believers willingly bought them and provided a steady income to the sellers. Relics were highly valued in medieval society not only by pilgrims but also by the various churches and shrines where relics were kept. Often one church would steal relics from another in hopes of attracting a larger crowd of pilgrims. Once a pilgrim reached a site, he or she would try to "buy" a relic and bring it home. Relics owned by lay people were traditionally kept in reliquaries shaped as necklaces or rings. The selling of fake relics was, of course, an abuse that Chaucer hated. Reads a lesson, tells a story, and sings an Offertory well, but he is motivated by greed and sings to "win silver from the crowd" Will confess to his hypocrisy and greed in his tale ***Is the most corrupt religious figure on the trip

Sergeant at Law

Is one of a select group of lawyers who serves as the kings legal adviser Knew of "every judgement, case, and crime ever recorded in King Williams Time"- reference to King William the Conqueror who ruled in England from 1066-1087 Wore a multi-colored coat. Although the narrator calls him "a man to reverence," he finds nothing remarkable in him. The Sergeant narrow-mindedly and predictably executes his job, and he gives the appearance of being far busier and more knowledgeable then he actually is

Monk

Like a nun, a monk is a member of religious order who has taken vows of poverty, chastity,and obedience. Some may take vows of silence. Lives in the monastery and is supposed to stay there and not go out into the world Is Prior of his monastery- head monk A manly man- enjoys hunting rabbits with his greyhound dogs-supposed to stay in the monastery not out hunting "Had many a dainty horse in stable" Ignores the codes or regulations of the monastic life which states that a monk is meant to suffer for the world's sins, not enjoy the world's temptations. Feels that he does not have to be "cloistered" with his brethren-he is supposed to stay at the monastery with his brothers and pray and worship Is lazy and does not like doing manual labor-supposed to be active and productive "His sleeves are garnished at the hand with fine grey fur"- most monks don't have fur on their sleeves Wears a gold pin in the shape of a lovers knot under his chin to fasten his hood (not supposed to have expensive jewelry) wears a habit (the gown a monk wears, usually brown and very simple) Shiny bald head, oily face, prominent eyeballs that "never seemed to settle and glittered like flames beneath a kettle"-he is shady, dishonest, can't be trusted Rides a very fine horse that is as "brown as a berry" Enjoys eating fat swan roasted whole- supposed to be too poor for that and is supposed to be fasting "fat and personable priests"- because peasants in the Middle Ages did not always have enough to eat, obesity was a sign success or affluence. It was ironic that the Monk is fat because he has taken a vow of poverty which indicates that he is supposed to suffer for the world's sin. Overweight meant you were successful and rich

Nun

Lives in a covenant and takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; a prioress is in charge of the nuns. As mother Superior of the covenant, a prioress is under oath to not leave her changes. Simple and Coy smile Greatest oath is "By St Loy" who was known for his perfect manners. Her name is Madame Eglantyne (a kind of rose and also the name of several romantic heroine) Likes to sing in church but sings through her nose Speaks an inferior form of French which she learned at the school Stratford-atte-Bowe near London- French in the Paris style she did not know Well-Mannered when she eats: no morsels of food fall from her lips; when she dips food in a sauce, her fingers do not touch the sauce; no crumbs fall on her breast; wipes her upper lip clean so that no grease can be seen; eats in a refined way Seems to be interested in courteous grace then her religious duties Narrator thinks that she is fake Narrator finds her to be pleasant, friendly, and entertaining Tenderhearted, sentimental, and sympathetic towards animals would cry if animals are being mistreated. Feeds her dogs fine meat, milk, and fine bread- nuns were not supposed to keep pets because they were supposed to live in poverty Has an elegant nose, glass grey eyes, small red mouth Has a huge forehead- nine inch span across the eyebrows- sign of good breeding She is not "under grown" which implies that she must be a bit heavy of tall Wears a nice cloak and veil and has a coral bracelet on her arm- coral was considered a love charm or a defense against worldly temptation during this time. The coral may show that she is interested in love, although as a nun, she should not be. Or it she is trying to ward off worldly temptation even though she does not seem to deny herself worldly luxuries such as the nice cloak and veil. Wears a rosary and/or prayer beads with a golden brooch hanging from them which an "A" is engraved and "Love conquers all"- Amore vincit omnia (Latin) Another nun and 3 priests are traveling with her.

Host

Serves the other pilgrims fine victual/food and strong wine A very "striking man" with "bright eyes" a fine citizen of Cheap-side, a district in medieval London "Bold in his speech, yet wise and full of tact" A "merry-hearted man" Comes up with the idea that each pilgrim will tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two tales on the way back to London to pass the time for a total of 120 tales Will go along with the other pilgrims and act as the judge- will decide who tells the best tale Makes the two rules that whoever doesn't obey "will pay for what they spend upon the way" and the "winner" of the Tale-telling contest will be giving "a free supper" in The Tabard Inn paid for by the other pilgrims His name is Harry Bailly.

Cook

The cook is traveling with the 5 guildsmen. He's their cook. Good cook- can "roast, seethe, broil, fry" and "make a good thick soup" and "bake a tasty pie" He has an ulcer (open sore) on his knee- implication is that he has poor hygiene or that he may have an STD. Makes delicious "blancmange"- french for "white food"- a sweet danish containing diced chicken, milk, sugar, and almonds.

Friar

They did not live in monasteries they went out into the world begged preached the word of God and they lived off the money that people gave him after they listen to him preach Called a "Limiter" because of the exclusive right to beg and preach in a assigned district Described as being mellow and a good preacher Likes young girls- gives them pins for their hair and pocketknives (there is an indication that he gets some of them pregnant and then marries them off to other men in lines 216-217) "Highly beloved and intimate" with the county folk in his district Sings well and plays the hurdy-gurdy, a lutelike instrument with a crank Has a neck which is "whiter than a lily-flower"- could indicate that he is a coward or that he is loose or immoral Rather hangout with the barmaids and innkeepers of the taverns instead of poor and sick people like lepers (people with leprosy)- likes to associate with merchants and/or victual-sellers and people who have money Takes advantage of poor widows with his "holy how-d' ye-do" and collects their money just the same Earns his living by forgiving sins and settling disputes for a fee- acts as an independent negotiator. His semi-cope is double worsted, which is expensive, so one can assume that he makes a good living selling penances. Pretends to have a lisp so that his english will be sweeter upon his tongue Also plays they harp and it makes his eye twinkle His name is Hubert

Oxford Student

both he and his horse are very skinny- Chaucer is playing on the stereotype of the "starving student" He has a "hollow look and somber stare" wears a worn out overcoat The cleric is so unworldly that he does not wish to seek secular employment beyond the church. Has 20 red and black books on Aristotle's philosophy which would have been worth a small fortune (the price of a small house) they are worth so much because the printing press was not invented yet so all copying was done by hand Spends most of his money on books and learning Does not speak more than what is needed- is short and to the point when he speaks-people listen to him when he speaks- his speech is filled with "moral virtue" Enjoys learning ant teaching Philosophical, intelligent

Manciple

employee whose principle job is to purchase provisions for a college or law firm- food purchaser he went and shopped frequently at Fishmongers' Row. The shop keepers has signs of what items the sold above their cart, because few people of that time could read.The towns represent the rising middle class of that time. As a food buyer, the Manciple would have shopped for venison (deer meat), mutton (sheep meat), or pork, but not horse meat, which was forbidden by the church. Seafood include porpoises, whale, cod, tunnies, and eel. Popular veggies were onions, peas, beans, and cabbage, but not tomatoes, potatoes, or corn, which were not imported from the New World until the 1500s is illiterate, but manages to outsmart the wise men as he works for- makes a fool of his 30 masters or defrauds them; has street-smarts He could "wipe their eye"-steal their eyes or outwit them; eyes are shut because they cant see what he is really doing with their money; tells them the food costs way more than it did and they paid him way more than it was worth.

Merchant

has a forked beard- one split down the middle Is dressed in motley attire- bright colors, many different colors Sits far forward on his horse and very erect Wears a flemish beaver hat which would have been the latest trend or rage in hats- this also suggests that he trades in English wool in Flanders (Belgium), a region known for its fur market wears fancy boots and buckles wants to look prosperous tries to keep the secret that he is actually in debt.

Doctor

knew a lot about medicine, surgery, and astronomy described as "the perfect practicing physician"-knows a lot about it profits from other peoples' illnesses by prescribing drugs that won't work and shares in their profits with the druggists and/or apothecaries Is well dressed and appears to have plenty of money to spend on himself- "wore blood-red garments slashed with bluish-gray and lined with taffeta" Knew about the Roman, Greek, and Middle Eastern medical authorities such as Aesculapius and Hippocrates Has a special love for gold which is his incurable disease so to speak Does not read the bible very much ***Note: doctors in the Middle Ages believed that the 12 signs of the zodiac affected different parts of the body and that the human body contained 4 kinds of humors, or fluids, also influenced by the stars, that dictated a persons temperaments and physical makeup. This explains, in part, Chaucer's attention to physical appearance. The following 4 words described "humorous" temperament: Phlegmatic: dominated by phlegm which would make one dull and sluggish Sanguine: dominated by blood which would make one ruddy (red-faced), cheerful, optimistic Choleric: dominated by choler or yellow bile which would make one angry, fussy and irritable Melancholic: dominated by black bile which would make one sad and depressed.

Squire

knight's son; 20 years old; a lover and cadet, a lad of fire, red hair and pale skin, doesn't sleep because he chases girls all night; carves the meat and serves his father first; not idealized or satirized

Plowman

the parson's brother- spiritual or blood related??? a poor farmer who works in dung all day Honest, good and true, "lives in peace and perfect charity" *****"loves God best with all his heart and mind and then his neighbor as himself"- these lines are an illusion to Luke 10:27: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart... and thy neighbor as thyself." Puts God first in his life and treats his neighbor as he would want to be treated Pays his tithes in full when they are do (to the church) **Chaucher praises and idealizes the Plowman, the Parson, and the Oxford student. What qualities do these men share? (all are generous, spiritual, uninterested in wealth, and full of energy for their work) In what ways do the differ? (in education and profession)

Yeoman

travels with the knight and the squire-man servant; archer, hunter, woodsman, and forester; carries a bow and arrow; head is shaped like a nut; tan complexion; a shield and sword hang from one side of his body and a long dagger hangs on the other side; wears a medal of st. christopher, the patron saint of travelers on his breast