the canterbury tales prologue summary

Voc Authors

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10-11-2024

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A Journey Begins: A Summary of The Canterbury Tales Prologue

The very first tale told in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales isn't a tale at all, but a prologue! This prologue is a masterclass in character development, setting the stage for the epic journey to come. It introduces us to a diverse group of pilgrims, each with their own story to tell, their own flaws and strengths, and their own motivations for setting off on a pilgrimage to Canterbury.

Setting the Scene: A Spring Pilgrimage

The prologue opens on a crisp spring morning, a perfect time for a journey. The setting is the Tabard Inn in Southwark, just outside London. Here, a motley crew of pilgrims gather, ready to embark on a pilgrimage to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket.

The Host's Proposal: A Storytelling Contest

The pilgrims are a diverse bunch, representing all walks of life: knights, squires, a prioress, a monk, a merchant, a carpenter, and even a miller! The host, a jolly fellow named Harry Bailey, proposes a storytelling contest. He suggests that each pilgrim tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back. The best storyteller will be rewarded with a free dinner at the Tabard Inn upon their return.

A Glimpse into the Characters

The prologue is filled with vivid descriptions of each pilgrim. Chaucer provides insightful details about their appearance, personality, occupation, and even their vices.

• The Knight: A noble, chivalrous warrior who embodies the ideal of medieval knighthood.
• The Wife of Bath: A bold and independent woman who has been married five times and is known for her expertise in love and marriage.
• The Pardoner: A corrupt clergyman who sells indulgences and preaches for profit, showcasing the hypocrisy within the Church.
• The Friar: Another corrupt churchman who is more interested in wealth and pleasure than in spiritual matters.
• The Summoner: A morally ambiguous figure who uses his position to extort money from people.
• The Miller: A boisterous and rude man who enjoys telling bawdy stories.

The Prologue's Significance: Setting the Stage

The prologue is crucial to understanding The Canterbury Tales. It introduces us to the main characters, their personalities, and their motivations, and sets the stage for the stories they will tell. The diversity of the pilgrims, their backgrounds, and their relationships to each other, are all key elements to understand the tales that will be told.

The prologue also reveals the social and cultural context of medieval England, highlighting issues like corruption within the Church, social class differences, and the role of storytelling in society.

This prologue is a masterpiece of characterization, setting the scene for a journey that will be filled with humor, satire, and tales of love, adventure, and moral dilemmas.