The General Prologue of “The Canterbury Tales”

The General Prologue of “The Canterbury Tales”

If you have never read the General Prologue before (and even if you have): What is the point of the first 18 lines (“Whan that Aprill . . . seeke)? Why do you think it takes so long – one very long sentence – for Chaucer to say it? Which lines are the most confusing or problematic for you?

The first sentence of The General Prologue introduces the pilgrimage. It sets the stage for a journey full of unknowns through the wilderness, against a backdrop of timelessness and dominating power of nature. Since travelers in Chaucer’s time lived off the land during their journeys, the weather dictates when a pilgrimage can take place. If the pilgrims leave before April, they will not be able to find enough water along their journey (Lines 1-2). Spring also means that vegetation is growing, so the pilgrims can forage for food (Lines 4, 7). The position of the sun could indicate that winter is completely gone, and it is warm enough to live outdoors (Lines 7-8). This could have already been implied by the sweetness of the wind (Line 5). However, the wind also pushes the pilgrims along or becomes a deterrent. It is unclear if Zephirus blows towards the west or from the west. If he goes towards the west, he would be encouraging the pilgrims, or perhaps creating a sense of urgency, to reach Canterbury. If he comes from the west, the wind becomes a trial to overcome and a warning to turn back to Southwark. Either way, Canterbury is on the western coast of England, so it is the place where Zephirus begins or ends. After only ten lines, the setting has been described. When the specifics are introduced – there is a pilgrimage to Canterbury – the pilgrims easily appear in the mind’s eye on a journey through England.

Compare and contrast three of the portraits, such as the Knight, the Yeoman, and the Shipman; the Prioress, the Monk, and the Wife of Bath; or the Monk, the Clerk, and the Parson.

The Knight, the Yeoman, and the Shipman would probably not interact on a personal level, unless they found themselves in a situation outside the usual protocol of hierarchical society, like a pilgrimage. The Knight is of significantly higher status than the Yeoman and the Shipman. While the Yeoman is only a servant, his fine clothes and weaponry may earn him more respect for his station than the drunken Shipman (Lines 103-4, 112-3, 396). Nevertheless, all three men possess qualities important to their work and that will make them hardy travelers. The Knight is worthy and chivalrous (Lines 43, 45). The Yeoman is Christian, which the Knight probably values, and a forester, which makes him a good choice for a journey (Lines 105, 107). The Shipman is fair and compassionate, and experienced in navigating dangerous situations (Lines 399-402).

Compare and contrast these three: the Friar, the Pardoner, and the Summoner.

The Friar, the Pardoner, and the Summoner are all men of the Christian church. They are also all hypocrites; their positions demand that they be pious and pure, but each man has his fault. The Friar performs some of his duties, but neglects helping the poor in favor of enjoying women and collecting money for himself. The Summoner encourages law-breaking even though he works in a court. Not only does the Pardoner sell indulgences, he also sells fake holy relics. They share two strange characteristics. They are irresistible to women, despite having a lisp, bad skin, and being unable to grow a beard. They also view money as a cure-all for earthly problems. The Friar and the Pardoner evade poverty and the Summoner recommends bribes.