The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales is a notable literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts,
Key info,
Summary,
Themes,
Characters,
Literary devices,
Quotations,
Notes, to various questions of The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
Summary
In the opening of “The General Prologue,” Chaucer describes the season of April. It brings new life and inspires people to go on pilgrimages. The characters meet at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. They are preparing for their journey to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Chaucer is the narrator and introduces all the pilgrims from various social classes with distinct characteristics. He decides to describe everyone based on their appearance, social rank, and clothing. He begins with the Knight.