Canterbury Tales Prologue Study Guide

In lines 169-192, does Chaucer reveal mostly virtues or flaws in the character of the Monk? Explain your answer. (Consider: What is the Monk's primary pastime? What does the Monk think of the Benedictine rules? Does he lead a pious life?)

Chaucer shows, from the first couplet, that the Monk is a much-flawed character, whose overriding interest in hunting. The Monk ignores and ridicules the rules of his order (lines 177-86), shuns studying (lines 188-89), and avoids manual labor (lines 189-90).

How would you describe Chaucer's tone toward his characters throughout the Prologue? Why do you think he portrays his characters this way?

Chaucer's tone is generally restrained and detached. He likely uses this tone to allow for subtle jokes to be inserted in the descriptions of the pilgrims.

What appears to be Chaucer's personal beliefs about how a monk and a friar should behave?

He believes that they should spend their time either studying or tending to the poor.

In lines 641-669, what specific details describe the Summoner's appearance? How is the Summoner's appearance a reflection of his character?

He is described as having pimples on his face, scabby eyebrows, and a thin beard. Children are frightened by his appearance. The Summoner's unattractive appearance is a reflection of his unattractive character. As a church official, he sells favors for wine and drinks too much.

What point is Chaucer making about the clergy through the Parson?

He is making the point that the clergy should be above reproach in their behavior and spotless models to the people they serve.

What examples of verbal irony does the Pardoner's introduction contain?

He is supposed to pardon or forgive those who have sinned, but he sells false relics to gullible peasants and lies to them as well.

In the characterization of the Parson, the religious metaphor of a clergyman as the shepherd of his congregation-the flock- and the wolf as a representation of evil, sin, and temptation (lines 514-24) is used. What is the shepherd's job? What is the danger faced by the flock?

He knows and preaches the gospel, and teaches it. He did not extort fees and tried to give poor parishioners offering from the church and his own poverty. He would visit them in sickness and in grief; and he believed that the clergy should not engage in extorting money from the poor. The Parson gives money to the poor, pays calls to the parishioners whenever they need him, and provides a fine example to all.

A writer who pokes fun at behaviors and customs with the intent of improving society is creating satire. What aspects of the medieval church does Chaucer satirize through the Monk and the Friar?

He satirizes the emphasis that the church seems to place on money and position; both of them seem to indulge their lifestyles at the expense of the poor.

Restate lines 237-246. How does the Friar spend the money he earns through hearing confessions?

He spends his money on drinking and gifts for women.

Paraphrase lines 35-42. What does the narrator set out to accomplish in "The Prologue"?

Nevertheless, while I am free to do it, before my story progresses further, it makes sense to explain their circumstances, a complete description of each pilgrim- as I saw them- according to their work and station in life, as well as what they wore during the trip; and I will begin with the Knight. The narrator sets out to describe the "full array" of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury; the profession, social status, and physical appearance of each one.

In lines 585-604, what words best describe the Manciple's character? How does the narrator use the Manciple to comment on education?

He is cautious, clever, and frugal. He says that an illiterate fellow may not be able to read, but it doesn't mean that he does not have logic, wisdom, and common sense (lines 591-93).

Reread lines 237-263. In what ways is the Friar corrupt? Is the Friar more corrupt than the Monk?

He uses his position to gain money; he does not associate with the poor or unfortunate members of society. Though both are corrupt, the "wanton" Friar's past and his abuse of power are particularly loathsome.

What are the similes used in lines 570-75, to create a remarkably vivid-and unflattering-portrait of the Miller?

He uses the following comparisons to characterize the Miller, "a tuft of hair/Red as the bristles in an old sow's ear" (lines 571-72): His nostrils were as black as they were wide" (line 573); "His mighty mouth was like a furnace door" (line 575)

When and where does the Prologue take place?

In April in Southwark at the Tabard Inn.

Reread lines 43-74. What do the Knight's actions on and off the battlefield reveal about his character? Cite details to support your answer.

The Knight's actions reveal that he is a model of chivalry. On the battlefield, he is brave and successful (lines 53-69). Off the battlefield, he is modest, wise, and genteel (lines 70-72). Moreover, he immediately seeks penance after his fighting (lines 79-80).

How is the characterization of the Summoner an example of situational irony?

Since the Summoner's job is to summon sinners to the church courts, he himself is one because he is a lecher and a drunk.

Examine the way the pilgrims respond to the Host in lines 830-41. What type of person do you think would appeal to so many?

The Host is likely to be friendly, fun-loving, charismatic, fair, honest, and generous.

In what ways does the narrator appear to poke fun at or satirize the Monk?

The Monk is a sportsman, shallow, self-indulgent, and materialistic. The narrator specifically pokes fun at the Monk's worldly pastimes and appetites. He is far from being a humble and scholarly servant of God in the mold of St. Benedict, St. Maur, or St. Augustine.

Why does the narrator describe her as "worthy" in two lines (455 and 469)? In literature, tone refers to the attitude a writer takes toward a subject or character. Tone can be serious, playful, admiring, mocking, or objective. Review lines 455-486, what is Chaucer's tone toward the Wife of Bath?

The Wife of Bath is interesting, worldly, personable, capable, amorous, self-important, and materialistic. He wants to make it clear that he thinks well of her, despite her shortcomings.

Paraphrase the description in lines 712-726. How exactly does the Pardoner earn a living?

There wasn't a better pardoner from the north to the south of England, for he has a pillowcase that he claimed was Mary's veil. He also possessed a piece of fabric which he claimed came from the sail of the boat that Peter used when he tried walking on water, and Jesus came to his rescue. Also, he had a metal cross with stones and a glass with pigs' bones. He used these relics to fool the naive populace of country parishes, where he could make more money in a day then their parson could make in a month or two. Using flattery and lies, he made fools of the priest and his congregation. The Pardoner earns his living by selling pardons from Rome and fake relics to poor, uneducated country folk.

Restate lines 1-18. Why does this group make its pilgrimage in April?

They were welcoming Spring.

In lines 767-779, what words does Chaucer use to describe the Host, the innkeeper of the Tabard? What actions of this character does Chaucer also describe? What do the Host's own words reveal about him?

"striking" (line 771); "no finer burgess in Cheapside" (line 774); "bold in ... speech," "wise" (line 775); "manly" (line 776); "merry-hearted" (line 777). He shows the host serving wonderful food and drink, speaking openly but tactfully, and discussing a variety of subjects. The Host's words reveal that he is inventive and fun-loving and that he has mastered the art of making everyone feel welcome. His words, along with his actions and Chaucer's description, illustrate that he is a near-perfect host.

How is the characterization of the Monk an example of situational irony?

He is supposed to lead a life of poverty and religious study; instead, he denigrates his religious calling.

Reread lines 455-486. What details help define the Wife of Bath as a worldly woman?

She is superlative weaver; she wears stylish and expensive clothes; she has been married five times; and she has traveled to many important pilgrim sites, including three visits to Jerusalem.

How did the Wife of Bath react to anybody who tried to go up the altar steps before she did? List other details of her physical appearance.

She would get angry; she has a bold face that if red in hue but handsome. She had a gap in her teeth because they were set widely apart, large hips, she laughed a lot and talked with others.

Reread lines 122-145. What details suggest that the Prioress may be trying to appear more sophisticated than she really is?

The Prioress speaks French with an inauthentic English intonation. Her table manners are coarse, despite her efforts to be elegant. She reaches for meat with her hands, dips her fingers in the sauce, and eats everything on her plate. The phrase "straining/To counterfeit a courtly kind of grace" (lines 142-42) is a clue.

Restate lines 515-524. In what ways does the Parson serve the members of his parish?

A person's behavior should be pure and set an example for those he leads. A parson should not hire someone else to do work and leave his followers in trouble or without proper guidance. Nor should he run to London to earn easy money by performing funeral services for the wealthy. Nor should he become involved in some private group, allowing someone else to take over and mislead his followers. He should be a committed leader, not just a worker for hire.

Lines 23-34, who is the narrator of this poem? What is revealed about his character in this passage?

A pilgrim on his way to Canterbury; he is gregarious, friendly, interested in people, a natural leader who convinces everyone to travel together.

What plan does the Host propose to the other characters? Why did he make this proposal?

Each pilgrim will tell two stories on the outward trip and another two as they journey back. The pilgrim's tale that is the best, shall be given a supper, paid by the other. If some of them do not participate, then they must bear the expenses for what the group spends on their journey.

In lines 689-734, in what ways is the Pardoner like the Summoner? And in what ways are they different?

Like the Summoner, the Pardoner is physically and morally repugnant, another greedy and corrupt church official who has sold his office. The Pardoner looks different. The Summoner has bulging eyes and light blond hair hanging down his back in rat-tails; he is also fashion conscious. Unlike the Pardoner, the Summoner is unmanly, with no beard and a high voice.

What event or circumstance causes the characters to gather?

They are making a pilgrimage to Canterbury, to give thanks to Thomas Becket for rescuing them from sickness and escaping the Black Death.