Prologue to the Canterbury Tal
The pilgrims described in the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales are divided into three broad classes, which include the nobles, clergy, and those with specific skills. The skilled can be subdivided into landowners, professionals, and laborers. In the portraits that we will see in the General Prologue, the Knight and Squire represent nobility. The Summoner, the Prioress, the Monk, the Friar, and the Parson represent the Clergy. The other characters, from the wealthy Franklin to the poor Plowman, are the members of a profession or a particular skill. The descriptions of these characters are balanced, showing their best and worst qualities. Chaucer's description allows for various types of criticism that paints a picture of fourteenth century society and social rank of the pilgrims.The description of the members of nobility is defined in the Knight and his son the Squire. The Knight's portrait had to start first due to his high status in society. The Knight is respected by all of the travelers, and his description is more one of his profession than of the actual person inside the armor. All his qualities and traits are what one expects from a Knight. The Knight wins the draw, as expected, and has the duty to tell the first tale. Thi
The Prioress's description is courtly, dignified and overly flattering yet paints a picture of her foolish sentimentality. The fact that she speaks French like a peasant instead of an elite Frenchwomen shows she is not refined. The fact that she weeps at the site of a dead mouse is a sign of her overreaction to a minor tragedy. Chaucer's description of the skilled class is also notable. The Merchant is very dignified in the management of his affairs and nobody knew about his debts. After listing a number of bad qualities in the Merchant, it is ironic that Chaucer states he is a fine man. Chaucer does not even know his name. This description shows that the details are more important than the opinion of the narrator. The Franklin presided over the sessions of the Justices of the Peace and was a Member of Parliament for his county. He had served as the King's administrative officer and auditor for his county. A short dagger and a silken pouch hung from his milk white belt. Chaucer's feelings toward the middle class may stem from the fact that he was born into this class. The description of the lower class is less detailed. The Wife of Bath is the most significant traveler of this class. Chaucer describes her as lewd and flamboyant. Her clothing, all variations of red, is meant to attract attention from the others. Chaucer also indicates she is promiscuous. Her marriage to five separate husbands paints
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Approximate Word count = 951
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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