Canterbury Tales The General Prologue Character Chart Answers
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. The General Prologue is the opening to the collection, and it describes the characters who will be telling the tales. The character chart in the General Prologue is a helpful tool for understanding the characters and their motivations. In this article, we will provide answers to the character chart in the General Prologue.
The Knight
The Knight is the first character described in the General Prologue. He is a chivalrous and valiant warrior who has fought in many battles. He wears a tunic made of coarse cloth and a coat of mail. His son, the Squire, accompanies him on the pilgrimage. The Knight is a symbol of honor and nobility.
The Squire
The Squire is the Knight's son. He is young, handsome, and skilled in many areas, including music, dancing, and jousting. He is dressed in fine clothing and is accompanied by his own servant. The Squire is a symbol of youth, energy, and promise.
The Yeoman
The Yeoman is the Knight's servant. He wears a green coat and carries a bow and arrows. He is skilled in hunting and forestry. The Yeoman is a symbol of loyalty and service.
The Prioress
The Prioress is a nun who is the head of her convent. She wears a brooch that says "Love conquers all" and is accompanied by two priests and a nun. She speaks French and is very concerned with her appearance. The Prioress is a symbol of religious devotion and femininity.
The Monk
The Monk is a member of a religious order who has taken a vow of poverty. However, he is more interested in hunting and other worldly pleasures than in his religious duties. He wears expensive clothing and has a love of fine horses. The Monk is a symbol of the corruption of the church.
The Friar
The Friar is a member of a religious order who is supposed to be a beggar. However, he is more interested in socializing and collecting money than in his religious duties. He is well-liked by the people he meets and is skilled at begging for money. The Friar is a symbol of the corruption of the church.
The Merchant
The Merchant is a wealthy businessman who is dressed in fine clothing. He is well-traveled and has many contacts in other countries. However, he is in debt and is not as successful as he appears. The Merchant is a symbol of the dangers of materialism.
The Clerk
The Clerk is a poor scholar who is studying at Oxford. He is dressed in simple clothing and is very serious about his studies. He is not concerned with material possessions and is humble in his demeanor. The Clerk is a symbol of the value of education.
The Man of Law
The Man of Law is a lawyer who is well-respected in his profession. He is dressed in fine clothing and is very knowledgeable about the law. He is also a skilled speaker and is able to persuade others to his point of view. The Man of Law is a symbol of the importance of justice.
The Franklin
The Franklin is a wealthy landowner who is known for his hospitality. He is dressed in simple clothing and is very generous with his food and drink. He is also interested in pleasure and is often drunk. The Franklin is a symbol of the pleasures of life.
The Guildsmen
The Guildsmen are a group of tradespeople who are prosperous and respected in their professions. They are dressed in fine clothing and are proud of their status. The Guildsmen are a symbol of the middle class.
The Cook
The Cook is a skilled chef who is employed by the Guildsmen. He is dressed in a white hat and apron and is very dirty. He is also known for his skill at making pies. The Cook is a symbol of the importance of food.
The Shipman
The Shipman is a sailor who is skilled at navigating the sea. He is dressed in a woolen gown and has a dagger at his side. He is also a thief and is not trustworthy. The Shipman is a symbol of the dangers of the sea.
The Physician
The Physician is a doctor who is very knowledgeable about medicine. He is dressed in fine clothing and carries a gold-tipped staff. He is also interested in making money and is not very sympathetic to his patients. The Physician is a symbol of the importance of health.
The Wife of Bath
The Wife of Bath is a woman who has been married five times. She is dressed in fine clothing and is very confident and talkative. She is also very interested in sex and is not afraid to speak her mind. The Wife of Bath is a symbol of the power of women.
The Parson
The Parson is a priest who is very devout and humble. He is dressed in simple clothing and is very concerned with the spiritual well-being of his parishioners. He practices what he preaches and is a very good example of a Christian. The Parson is a symbol of the importance of faith.
The Plowman
The Plowman is the brother of the Parson. He is a poor farmer who works hard to support his family. He is dressed in simple clothing and is very honest and virtuous. The Plowman is a symbol of the value of hard work.
The Miller
The Miller is a man who grinds grain into flour. He is dressed in a white coat and has a sword at his side. He is also a drunkard and a thief. The Miller is a symbol of the dangers of excess.
The Manciple
The Manciple is a steward who is responsible for buying food and supplies for an institution. He is very good at his job and is able to get good deals on his purchases. He is also illiterate and not very educated. The Manciple is a symbol of the importance of practical knowledge.
The Reeve
The Reeve is a manager who is responsible for overseeing a manor. He is dressed in fine clothing and is very good at his job. He is also a thief and is not very trustworthy. The Reeve is a symbol of the dangers of power.
The Summoner
The Summoner is a man who is responsible for bringing people to court. He is dressed in a red coat and has a face covered in sores. He is also a drunkard and is not very trustworthy. The Summoner is a symbol of the corruption of the legal system.
The Pardoner
The Pardoner is a man who sells indulgences to people who want to be forgiven for their sins. He is dressed in fine clothing and has long, blonde hair. He is also a fraud and is not trustworthy. The Pardoner is a symbol of the corruption of the church.
Conclusion
The General Prologue character chart in The Canterbury Tales is a useful tool for understanding the characters and their motivations. Each character represents a different aspect of medieval society, from the nobility to the middle class to the corrupt officials. By understanding these characters, readers can gain insight into the social and cultural values of Chaucer's time.