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The Canterbury Tales Essay
The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales, a masterpiece of English Literature, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a
collection, with frequent dramatic links, of 24 tales told to pass the time during a spring pilgrimage
to the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. The General Prologue introduces the pilgrims, 29
"sondry folk" gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark (outside of London). Chaucer decides to join
them, taking some time to describe each pilgrim.
According to the Norton Anthology, "the composition of none of the tales can be accurately dated;
most of them were written during the last fourteen years of Chaucer's life, although a few were
probably written earlier and inserted into The Canterbury Tales" (Norton, 80)....show more content...
The Prioress, Madame Eglantine, is a character full of denial. Though she is a nun whose duties
should be pledged to God, she certainly considers herself a lady first. She speaks bad French, ate and
dressed very carefully, and wears a brooch that says "love conquers all." She also cares deeply for
animals, bringing several along with her on the pilgrimage. Her lady–like behavior seems to stand in
direct contrast to the ways of a good Nun. This is Chaucer's first criticism of religion, a theme he
returns to throughout the poem.
Like the Prioress, the Monk is also an ironic characterization. The Monk loved to ride horses and
hunt. He also eats well and dresses in nice clothes. He even goes so far as to say that he prefers the
outdoor life, hardly a statement one would expect from one whose profession entails sitting inside
and copying books.
The Friar is a bad guy. He is licensed to hear confessions and uses his position to beg for money,
operating under the assumption that penance works better through payment than prayers. He also
has the reputation of getting girls into "trouble," then helping to marry them to others
GRAPH The Merchant knows a good bargain when he sees it. His very smooth behavior helps hide
the fact that he is really in debt.
The Clerk is soft–spoken student of the thetoric arts. When he speaks, it is with such expression that
people readily listen. He is one of the most admired
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The Canterbury Tales Essay

  • 1. The Canterbury Tales Essay The Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales, a masterpiece of English Literature, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a collection, with frequent dramatic links, of 24 tales told to pass the time during a spring pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. The General Prologue introduces the pilgrims, 29 "sondry folk" gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark (outside of London). Chaucer decides to join them, taking some time to describe each pilgrim. According to the Norton Anthology, "the composition of none of the tales can be accurately dated; most of them were written during the last fourteen years of Chaucer's life, although a few were probably written earlier and inserted into The Canterbury Tales" (Norton, 80)....show more content... The Prioress, Madame Eglantine, is a character full of denial. Though she is a nun whose duties should be pledged to God, she certainly considers herself a lady first. She speaks bad French, ate and dressed very carefully, and wears a brooch that says "love conquers all." She also cares deeply for animals, bringing several along with her on the pilgrimage. Her lady–like behavior seems to stand in direct contrast to the ways of a good Nun. This is Chaucer's first criticism of religion, a theme he returns to throughout the poem. Like the Prioress, the Monk is also an ironic characterization. The Monk loved to ride horses and hunt. He also eats well and dresses in nice clothes. He even goes so far as to say that he prefers the outdoor life, hardly a statement one would expect from one whose profession entails sitting inside and copying books. The Friar is a bad guy. He is licensed to hear confessions and uses his position to beg for money, operating under the assumption that penance works better through payment than prayers. He also has the reputation of getting girls into "trouble," then helping to marry them to others GRAPH The Merchant knows a good bargain when he sees it. His very smooth behavior helps hide the fact that he is really in debt. The Clerk is soft–spoken student of the thetoric arts. When he speaks, it is with such expression that people readily listen. He is one of the most admired Get more content on HelpWriting.net