The next character is the hunting monk, who, ignoring the laws of monastic discipline, does not work with his hands or pour over a book in the cloister, and who “loves a fat swan the best of any roast.” Those in truth, were the large majority of the monks of the Priod. The Yeoman is described as a true forester, but he also wears the Christopher medal.įrom those characters who are connected with the mediaeval code of chivalry, we move on to the Prioress, whom, however, we shall consider along with the Wife of Bath. The Squire has distinguished himself in battles as expected, but he can also compose songs, and he can dance and draw and write well. As for his individual attributes, he is portrayed as humble as a maiden, wearing a doublet of thick cloth. The Knight reflects the code of behavior prevalent in those days among the members of this class of society. Their apparel too is, in most cases, described and that lends additional realism to the portraits.įirst of all there are the Knight, the Squire, and the Yeoman, all of whom correspond to certain known forms of human beings in the fourteenth century, but all of whom also have certain distinctive features. The vitality and the realistic qualities of the various characters are undeniable. On the contrary, they appear before us as living and believable characters. At the same time, these characters are by no means puppets they are not wooden figures. A large number of human beings, who are both types and individuals, have been delineated by Chaucer, and these human beings possess certain universal qualities also. We are greatly struck by the large variety for which the Prologue is remarkable. This precisely is the impression that the Prologue produces on us. Each portrait creates an impression that a real human being sits or stands before us. These portraits impress us by a variety of dresses, and they impress us also with their vividness. In a portrait-gallery we see portraits of a large number of persons on display. Going through The Prologue To The Canterbury Tales is like visiting a portrait-gallery. Symbols The Prologue To The Canterbury Tales.
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