The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales : Summary

Summary

When the sweet showers of April fall, nature regains new life. The drought of March passes away, and the western wind (Zephirus) breathes softly, awakening the trees and flowers. The sun has moved halfway through the sign of Aries, the little birds sing joyfully, and the whole of nature is filled with the music of life. At this time, a new excitement stirs in human hearts; they feel the desire to travel and go on pilgrimages. From different parts of England, people set out for Canterbury to pray at the holy shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, who had healed the sick.

During this very season, one day, the poet was staying at the Tabard Inn in the town of Southwark. He himself was preparing to join a pilgrimage. That night, twenty-nine other pilgrims gathered there. They were people of different ranks and professions, but all had the same goal: a journey to Canterbury. The inn’s rooms and stables were spacious, and everyone spent the night comfortably. The poet talked with them and soon joined their company. The next morning, they planned to travel together. Chaucer says that before beginning the stories, he will describe each pilgrim, what kind of person they are, what class they belong to, and what clothes they wear. Then he begins his description with the first character, the Knight.

The Knight (A Knyght)

• Worthy and Noble Person: Chaucer first describes the Knight, who is truly a worthy and noble man. From his youth, he loved chivalry, truth, honor, generosity, and courtesy.
• Experienced Warrior: He was an experienced warrior who had fought in many battles, both in Christian and non-Christian lands. He fought in Alexandria, Prussia, Lithuania, Russia, Granada, Morocco, Ayas, and Attalia. In total, he had taken part in fifteen mortal battles and three single combats, and in all of them, he had been victorious.
• Humble and Kind Nature: The Knight was always loyal, brave, and humble. He never insulted anyone or spoke rudely. His manners were as gentle as a maiden’s. Though strong and wise, he was also peaceful and modest. He earned great honor and respect in society.
• Simple Life and Dress: In appearance, he never sought luxury. His dress was plain, a coarse fustian tunic stained with marks of his armor. He had just returned from war, but without taking any rest, joined the pilgrimage directly.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer calls him “a verray, parfit gentil knyght,” a true, perfect, and noble knight who is the symbol of bravery, humility, and moral goodness.

 

Young Squier (A Yong Squier)

• Youthful and Romantic Nature: With the Knight was his son, a young Squire, a romantic and lively youth of twenty years. His hair was curly and thick, and he was attractive and full of spirit.
• Brave and Strong: Though of medium height, he was active and strong. He had fought in battles in Flanders, Artois, and Picardy. In a short time, he had proved his courage and ability. He fought bravely to win the favor of his beloved.
• Attractive and Colorful Dress: His clothes were embroidered with red and white flowers, looking like a blooming garden. Chaucer describes him as “as fresh as is the month of May.”
• Lover of Art and Music: He could sing, play the flute, write poetry, draw, and dance. He was an artistic, romantic young man who was always cheerful and full of joy.
• Deeply in Love: He loved so deeply that he hardly slept at night, like the nightingale that sings awake all night. His love was warm and poetic.
• Polite and Respectful: He was gentle, humble, and devoted. At the table, he carved meat for his father himself. This shows that he was not only romantic and lively but also respectful and dutiful toward his family.

 

A Yeoman (A Yeman)

• Companion of the Knight: The Yeoman was the only servant or companion who traveled with the Knight. The Knight had no other attendant, showing that this Yeoman was trusted and loyal. He accompanied his master faithfully on the pilgrimage.
• Dress and Appearance: He was dressed entirely in green, a green coat and hood. This shows his love for nature and forest life. At his belt hung a neatly arranged bunch of peacock-feathered arrows, sharp and bright.
• Armed and Skilled Archer: He carried a strong bow and was an excellent archer. His arrows were always well-prepared and never drooped. He took great care of his weapons and carried a sword, shield, and dagger as well.
• Looks and Character: His hair was closely cropped, and his face was brown. This is a sign of his outdoor work and hardworking nature. He was skilled in hunting and forest duties.
• Religious Symbol: Around his neck hung a silver medal of Saint Christopher, the protector of travelers. On his shoulder, he carried a green hunting horn.
• Profession and Nature: Chaucer suggests that he was probably a forester, brave, dutiful, and always ready to serve his master with respect and honor.

 

A Prioress (A Prioresse) – (Real Name – Madame Eglantine)

• Gentle and Refined Nature: The Prioress was polite, soft-spoken, and modest. She smiled gently and never swore harshly, only by Saint Loy’s name. She sang church songs sweetly and spoke French, though not in the Paris style but in the Stratford-at-Bow accent.
• Graceful Manners: She behaved with perfect table manners. No drop of food ever fell from her lips, nor did she dip her fingers too deep into the sauce. She never dirtied her cup and always wiped her lips neatly after eating. She tried to imitate the manners of royal courts.
• Kind and Tender Heart: Her heart was very soft. She would cry if she saw a mouse caught in a trap. She had small dogs whom she fed with milk, bread, and meat. If they were hurt or died, she wept bitterly. Yet, she did not show the same affection toward the poor.
• Appearance: She had a straight and beautiful nose, gray, glass-like eyes, a small red mouth, and a wide, fair forehead. Her dress was neat, and on her arm she wore a string of coral beads (rosary).
• Symbol and Motto: From her rosary hung a golden brooch engraved with a crowned letter “A” and the words “Amor vincit omnia”, “Love conquers all.” This symbolizes her tender heart and loving nature.

 

Nun (NONNE)- The Second Nun

• Companion of the Prioress: Along with the Prioress (Madame Eglantine), there was another nun known as “The Second Nun.” She served as the Prioress’s companion or assistant. This Second Nun acted as a chapel attendant. She helps with prayers and religious duties during the journey.

 

The Three Priests (Preestes Thre)

• Religious Companions: The Prioress was also accompanied by three priests. They were her religious attendants and helpers who assisted her in prayers, church services, and the pilgrimage.
• The Nun’s Priest: Chaucer describes one of them in detail, known as “The Nun’s Priest.” The Host, Harry Bailey, later addresses him as “Sir John.” He was wise, cheerful, and energetic. He tells the famous “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” a humorous beast fable also known as “Chauntecleer and the Fox.”
• The Other Two Priests: The remaining two priests are not described by Chaucer. They accompanied the Prioress on her journey but played no active role in the story.

 

The Monk (A Monk)

• Pleasure-Loving and Strong Man: The Monk was a handsome and strong man. He was an Outrider, meaning he worked outside the monastery. He disliked reading or hard labor; instead, he loved riding and hunting outdoors.
• Rejected Old Rules: He did not follow the strict rules of Saint Benedict and Saint Maurus. He said those old rules were no longer useful. So, he abandoned the traditional monastic lifestyle and chose a modern and freer way of living.
• Fond of Hunting and Luxury: He owned many fine horses, and his greyhounds were always ready for hunting. He loved hunting rabbits and spared no expense in his hobby.
• Appearance and Dress: His sleeves were trimmed with the finest fur, and he wore a golden pin under his chin. His bald head shone brightly; his face was oily, and his body was fat. He loved rich food, especially roasted fat swans.
• Chaucer’s View: Though he was a monk by title, he was more worldly and pleasure-seeking than religious. Chaucer describes him with gentle humor, using satire to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of monastic life.

 

A Friar (A Frere) – Huberd

• Cheerful and Sociable: The Friar, named Huberd, was a lively and merry man. He was a Limiter, a friar licensed to collect donations within a specific district. He spoke sweetly and loved to mix with rich and respected people.
• Selfish and Hypocritical Clergyman: He avoided the poor and sick and preferred the company of the wealthy, landowners, and gentlewomen of the town. He heard confessions with soft words but gave absolution only when he received money or gifts.
• Clever Beggar: He was the best beggar in his order. Even if a poor widow had nothing, he would still take something from her. His earnings were much greater than what he honestly deserved.
• Luxury-Loving and Pleasant: He could sing, play the harp, and recite poetry. His voice was soft and charming, and his eyes shone like stars on a frosty night.
• Appearance and Dress: He dressed like a wealthy man, not like a poor friar. His robe was made of rich cloth, his shoes were new, and his cloak was spotless. He looked more like a master or a pope than a humble beggar.

 

A Merchant (A Marchant)

• Wealthy and Proud Businessman: The Merchant was a rich and proud man. He had a forked beard and wore bright-colored clothes. On his head was a fine Flemish beaver hat, and on his feet were elegant boots. He rode proudly on his horse.
• Clever and Profit-Minded: He always talked about profits and business. He wanted safe trade routes across the sea for better foreign commerce. He was very skilled in handling money exchange and trade.
• Smart but Secretly in Debt: Though clever, Chaucer reveals that no one knew he was deeply in debt. He carefully maintained his dignity and appearance so that no one could suspect it.
• Dignified Behavior: His speech was serious, confident, and impressive. He always presented himself as a successful and honorable man.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer admits that the Merchant was indeed a capable businessman, but humorously adds that he does not even remember his name.

 

A Clerk (The Oxford Clerk)

• A Poor but Studious Scholar: He was a poor student from Oxford who had been studying logic and philosophy for a long time. His horse was thin, and he himself looked pale and lean. His clothes were old and worn out.
• Indifferent to Wealth: He never sought government service or a church position. For him, books were far more precious than money. Beside his bed, he kept twenty books of Aristotle and philosophy.
• Love for Study and Sacrifice: Whatever money he received from his friends, he spent entirely on books and learning. In return, he prayed for their souls’ peace.
• Modest and Thoughtful: He spoke very little, but each word was full of meaning and wisdom. His speech was always moral, serious, and polite.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer praises him, saying, “Gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.” This means he loved both learning and teaching. He represents the ideal of pure knowledge, honesty, and devotion to study.

 

A Sergeant of the Law (A Sergeant of the Lawe) – Lawyer

• Wise and Experienced: He was a high-ranking lawyer, intelligent and prudent. He often sat at St. Paul’s Churchyard (the Parvys), where great lawyers gathered to discuss cases. His words were wise and well-measured, earning him great respect.
• Royally Authorized Judge: He often served as a Justice in Assize — a royal court judge. The king himself had granted him patents and commissions. Because of his knowledge and fame, he earned many fees and received expensive robes.
• Rich and Shrewd Land-Buyer: He was a great buyer of land. No one could question the legality of his property. He was wealthy and clever, with every law and statute perfectly memorized.
• Appearance: He wore a plain, mixed-colored coat and a small silk belt around his waist. Though his dress was simple, he had an air of dignity and authority.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer humorously observes, “He semed bisier than he was.” This means he pretended to be busier than he actually was — a subtle satire on his vanity and self-importance.

 

A Franklin (A Frankeleyn)

• Rich and Joyful Landowner: The Franklin was a wealthy landowner who loved comfort and pleasure. His beard was white as a daisy. Every morning, he enjoyed a piece of bread dipped in wine. His life was full of joy, comfort, and good food.
• Hospitable and Generous: He was as hospitable as Saint Julian, the patron saint of hospitality. His house was always full of food and drink. There was never a shortage of fish, meat, pies, or wine. It seemed as if food “snowed” inside his home.
• Lover of Good Food: He changed his meals according to the seasons. His table was always filled with fine dishes, fat partridges, fish, and sauces rich in flavor. If his cook spoiled a dish, he would become angry.
• Respected Citizen: He served as a local judge (Lord and Sire) and was often elected as a member of Parliament (Knight of the Shire). He also worked as a sheriff and a tax auditor.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer praises him, saying, “Was nowher swich a worthy vavasour.” This means there was no more worthy gentleman anywhere. He represents happiness, generosity, and the prosperous life of the upper-middle class.

 

The Five Guildsmen (Haberdasher, Carpenter, Weaver, Dyer, and Tapestry-Maker)

• Honorable Craftsmen: These five men were skilled and respected craftsmen of the town: a Haberdasher (seller of hats and garments), a Carpenter, a Weaver, a Dyer, and a Tapestry-Maker. They all belonged to the same trade guild.
• Uniform Dress and Clean Appearance: They dressed alike, wearing neat and matching clothes. Their knives, belts, and pouches were mounted with silver, showing their wealth and social standing.
• Pride in Their Status: Each of them considered himself a worthy citizen (burgess). Because of their wisdom and success, they believed they were fit to become aldermen (city leaders).
• Wealth and Ambition: They had enough money and property. Their wives encouraged their ambitions, hoping to be called “Madame” and attend public feasts dressed in royal style.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents them as symbols of the rising middle class, industrious, prosperous, and proud. They are not mocked harshly but shown with gentle humor as men driven by ambition and respectability.

 

The Cook (The Cook of the Guildsmen)

• Skilled Cook: He was an expert and experienced cook who could prepare all kinds of dishes, boiled chicken, roasted meat, stews, and pies. Everything he made was perfectly cooked.
• Lover of Good Food: He knew the taste of London ale very well and seasoned his dishes with poudre-marchant and galingale, giving them a rich and spicy flavor.
• Physical Defect: However, he had one sad flaw, a sore (mormal) on his leg, full of pus. This became an ironic contrast to his clean and professional occupation as a cook.
• Master of Culinary Art: Despite his illness, he was highly talented. His special dish, “blancmanger” (a white dish made of chicken and rice), was famous for its taste.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents the Cook as a skilled yet incomplete man, talented in art, but marked by human weakness. His wound symbolizes imperfection within professional excellence.

 

The Shipman (The Sailor or Seaman)

• Origin and Appearance: The Shipman was from Dartmouth, a port town in western England. His skin was tanned brown by the hot sun. He wore a coarse woolen gown reaching to his knees and carried a dagger hanging by a cord around his neck.
• Character and Behavior: He was a strong and practical man, but lacked a soft conscience. While merchants slept, he secretly drank their Bordeaux wine. When he won in sea battles, he would make his enemies “walk the plank”. This shows his harsh and ruthless side.
• Experienced Navigator: He was a highly skilled sailor, knowing well how to calculate tides, currents, harbors, and the movements of the moon for safe navigation.
• Wide Experience: His experience at sea was vast. He knew every harbor and inlet from Gotland to Finisterre, and along the coasts of Brittany and Spain.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer portrays him as a bold, capable, and realistic seaman — rough in manners but excellent in his trade. His ship, The Maudelayne, symbolizes his experience, skill, and adventurous spirit.

 

A Doctor of Medicine (Doctor of Phisik – The Physician)

• Experienced and Wise Physician: The Doctor was one of the most skilled and knowledgeable men among the pilgrims. He was an expert in both medicine and surgery. He used astronomy to diagnose diseases, believing that the movement of stars and planets affected human health.
• Master of Diagnosis: He could easily identify the cause of every illness — whether it came from heat, cold, moisture, or dryness, and which bodily humour caused it. He quickly found the source of the disease and prescribed remedies with precision.
• Linked with Apothecaries: He maintained close ties with apothecaries (drug sellers). They worked together for profit, when one earned, the other benefited too. This shows his medical skill was mixed with business sense.
• Learned but Not Religious: He was well-read in the works of Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, and Aesculapius. However, he gave little attention to the Bible. His devotion was to science, not to religion.
• Moderate but Greedy: He was moderate in food and drink but loved money deeply. During the plague, he earned a lot and saved every penny. Chaucer says, “For gold in phisik is a cordial,” meaning that in medicine, gold was considered a heart-strengthening remedy. In truth, gold symbolized both medicine and greed; it gave strength, but it also revealed his materialistic side.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer portrays him as a brilliant but slightly greedy man. His knowledge is admirable, yet his compassion seems limited. He represents science without spirituality.

 

The Wife of Bath (Alisoun of Bath)

• Experienced and Confident: The Wife of Bath was a lively and self-assured woman from the city of Bath. Though slightly deaf, she was full of energy and confidence. She had married five times and had other love experiences in her youth.
• Skilled and Wealthy: She was a talented cloth-maker, even better than the craftsmen of Ypres and Ghent. She dressed richly, with heavy kerchiefs, red stockings, new shoes, and a wide hat. Her face was rosy, bold, and cheerful.
• Religious but Proud: She had been on many pilgrimages, three times to Jerusalem, and also to Rome, Boulogne, St. James in Spain, and Cologne in Germany. She was religious but proud; in church, she always wanted to make her offering first.
• Lively and Knowledgeable in Love: She loved to talk, laugh, and socialize. She was an expert in the “remedies of love,” meaning she understood the art of love and relationships deeply.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents her as an independent, strong, and worldly woman, a symbol of female freedom and experience. She challenges social norms and lives by her own will, representing one of the earliest portraits of women’s individuality in English literature.

 

The Parson (The Poor Priest)

• Holy and Learned Clergyman: The Parson was a poor but honest priest who sincerely preached Christ’s true gospel. He was both educated and devout, always practicing what he preached before teaching others.
• Kind and Selfless: He showed great compassion for his poor parishioners. Even if they could not pay their tithes, he never cursed them. Instead, he helped them from his own small income.
• Faithful and Hardworking: His parish was large and scattered, yet he never neglected anyone. Neither rain, thunder, nor sickness could stop him. He went everywhere on foot, carrying a staff, visiting the sick and comforting the sad.
• Moral Example: He often said, “If gold rust, what shall iron do?” meaning that if the priest, who should be pure as gold, becomes corrupt, what can be expected of ordinary people? So, he lived as a shining example of goodness.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer portrays him as an ideal Christian priest, humble, forgiving, faithful, and pure-hearted. He was truly “a shepherd, not a hireling,” devoted to his duty and his people.

 

The Plowman (Brother of the Parson)

• Honest and Industrious Farmer: The Plowman, the Parson’s brother, was a truthful, hardworking man. He spent his life in labor, plowing fields, digging ditches, and carrying manure with full devotion.
• Religious and Kind: He loved God with all his heart, in both happiness and suffering, and loved his neighbors as himself.
• Selfless Helper: He often worked for poor people without taking any payment, if he was able to help. He lived peacefully, guided by love and faith.
• Religious and Honest: He always paid his church dues (tithes) fairly, from both his earnings and his property.
• Simple Life: He wore a plain tabard (a simple coat) and rode a humble mare. Chaucer presents him as the perfect example of a faithful Christian laborer, symbolizing honesty, devotion, and humility.

 

The Miller (The Stout Man)

• Powerful and Muscular Man: The Miller was a big, strong man, broad and full of muscle. In wrestling, he always won the ram as the prize. His strength was so great that he could break a door with his head or shoulder.
• Ugly but Noticeable Appearance: His beard was red like a fox or a sow, and on his nose was a wart with a few stiff red hairs. His nose was wide, and his mouth was as large as a furnace.
• Cunning and Dishonest Dealer: He was a shrewd but corrupt grain dealer who cheated customers. Chaucer says, “Wel koude he stelen corn,” meaning he knew very well how to steal grain. He could cheat and joke at the same time, making people laugh while deceiving them.
• Rude and Loud: He talked roughly and told dirty jokes. His speech was vulgar, but full of energy.
• Cheerful and Fun-loving: He could play the bagpipes and entertained everyone as they left the town. Chaucer presents him as a strong but immoral, foolish yet lively man, a comic picture of the lower class in medieval society.

 

The Manciple (The Clever Servant)

• Wise and Skilled Buyer: The Manciple was a purchasing clerk for the Temple of Law, responsible for buying food and supplies. He was so clever that he always made a profit in every deal.
• Uneducated but Intelligent: Though not formally educated, he was smarter than thirty learned lawyers. He could easily outwit them in business.
• Careful and Efficient Manager: Whether he paid in cash or credit, he always managed to benefit himself. No one could ever find a mistake in his accounts.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents him as an uneducated yet worldly-wise man, a symbol of practical intelligence. He proves that common sense and experience can be greater than formal education.

 

The Reeve (The Estate Manager)

• Clever and Angry Man: The Reeve was a thin, tall, and bad-tempered man. His beard was neatly shaved, and his hair was trimmed like a priest’s. He had a choleric nature, quick to anger but also sharp-minded.
• Experienced Estate Manager: He managed his master’s entire estate, barns, crops, cattle, sheep, horses, and servants. His accounting was perfect; no auditor could ever find a single mistake.
• Secretly Wealthy and Cunning: He was wiser than his master and secretly grew rich by cheating him. He used his master’s own goods to give him gifts and win his praise. Thus, he gained both profit and favor.
• Skilled Carpenter: In his youth, he had been a skilled carpenter.
• Rides at the Back: He rode a grey horse named Scot, wore a blue coat, and carried a rusty sword. He always rode last in the group, silently watching others.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer portrays him as clever, strict, and efficient, but also dishonest and proud. He maintains power not by goodness, but through fear and trickery.

 

The Summoner (The Corrupt Church Officer)

• Ugly and Terrifying Man: The Summoner’s job was to summon people to the Church court. His face was red like fire, covered with pimples and sores. Children were afraid to look at him.
• Dirty Habits: He loved garlic, onions, and strong wine. When drunk, he shouted loudly and spoke a few Latin phrases that he didn’t understand.
• Corrupt and Lustful: He was greedy and immoral. He took bribes, wine, or money to forgive people’s sins.
• Master of Deception: He used the Church’s law to make personal profit. He would say, “Purse is the archdeacon’s hell,” meaning that those who had money could easily escape punishment.
• Appearance and Dress: He wore a garland on his head like a tavern sign and carried a fake shield made of cake for fun.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents him as the symbol of Church corruption, a man who hides lust and greed under the name of religion. Through the Summoner, Chaucer exposes the moral decay of the Church.

 

The Pardoner (The False Seller of Pardons)

• Clever but Fake Churchman: The Pardoner was a deceitful man who sold false pardons and fake holy relics from Rome. He was a close friend of the Summoner, and together they sang songs. His voice was high and thin like a goat’s, and his face was smooth and beardless like a woman’s.
• Strange Appearance and Dress: His hair was yellow and waxy, falling long over his shoulders. On his cap was stitched a small image of Veronica (a holy relic). His bag was full of false pardons and fake letters, which he claimed came directly from Rome.
• Symbol of Hypocrisy: He cheated poor people by showing them fake relics. He said a pillowcase was Our Lady’s veil, and pig bones were a saint’s bones. With these lies, he earned a lot of money from innocent believers.
• Sweet-tongued Preacher: In church, he preached beautifully and sang the Offertory hymn best of all, because he knew the better he sang, the more people would give him money.
• Chaucer’s View: Chaucer presents him as the living symbol of Church corruption and hypocrisy, a man whose mouth speaks of holiness but whose heart burns with greed. He is a “beautiful face with a rotten soul.”

 

The Ending of the General Prologue

• Purpose and Setting of the Pilgrimage: Chaucer explains that he has now described all the pilgrims, their number, dress, and purpose. They had gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, to begin their journey to Canterbury.
• Beginning of the Journey: Next, Chaucer will tell what they did that night and how the journey began the next morning.
• Request for Understanding: He asks the readers not to be offended if some words seem rude, because he promises to tell only what was actually said, nothing more, nothing less.
• Commitment to Truth: He declares that if someone tells another person’s story, it should be told truthfully, just as it happened. He will not change or hide anything.
• Moral and Philosophical Justification: Chaucer reminds us that even Christ spoke plainly, and Plato said, “Words must be as true as deeds.”
• Humble Closing: Finally, Chaucer humbly admits that he has not arranged the pilgrims in order of rank or class, because his skill is limited.

This section ends The General Prologue, where Chaucer defines his role as both narrator and observer. It sets the tone, realism, and structure for the rest of The Canterbury Tales.

 

Chaucer – The Poet Himself (At the End of The General Prologue)

At the end of The General Prologue, Chaucer briefly speaks about himself, humbly and humorously. He never directly says his name, but he describes himself as a simple observer, a quiet man who only records what others say. Chaucer says: “My wit is short, ye may wel understonde.” (Line 746) This means, “My intelligence is small, as you can understand.” He does not call himself a great poet or a wise scholar. Instead, he presents himself as just another pilgrim who listens and writes. He hides his genius behind modesty. In truth, he is both a watcher and a writer, one who observes every class of people and truthfully records their lives, habits, and speech. Chaucer’s self-portrait adds realism and humility to his storytelling voice.

 

Introduction of the Host – Harry Bailey

• Warm Hospitality: In this section, Chaucer introduces the Host, the owner of the Tabard Inn in Southwark. He welcomes all the pilgrims warmly, serving them excellent food and strong wine. The dinner is cheerful, and everyone enjoys the lively atmosphere.
• Appearance and Character: The Host is a large, energetic man with sharp, commanding eyes. Chaucer says, “A fairer burgeys was ther noon in Chepe.” This means that in Cheapside Market, no better or more honorable businessman could be found.
• Cheerful and Sociable: The Host is not only wise and bold but also joyful and full of humor. After supper, he entertains everyone with jokes and merry talk, turning the evening into a moment of fun and unity.
• Polite and Generous: He says to the pilgrims, “Ye been to me right welcome, hertely,” meaning, “You are heartily welcome to me.” This shows his warm nature and genuine kindness toward his guests.
• Beginning of the Story Plan: The Host then suggests a joyful plan, an idea that will make the long journey pleasant and cost nothing. This becomes the storytelling contest, the main frame of The Canterbury Tales. Through him, Chaucer brings life, laughter, and leadership into the group. The Host becomes the symbol of companionship, order, and joy, guiding the pilgrims and shaping the entire narrative journey.

 

The Host’s Proposal Begins – The Birth of the Storytelling Plan

• Blessing and Good Wishes: The Host begins by blessing the pilgrims before their journey. He says: “Ye goon to Caunterbury, God yow speede, The blisful martir quite yow youre meede!” which means, “You are going to Canterbury, may God give you success, and may the holy martyr (Saint Thomas Becket) reward your prayers.” Through these words, he shows both respect for religion and affection for the pilgrims.
• Idea of a Joyful Journey: The Host knows that a long journey can be dull if everyone rides in silence. He says that traveling “dumb as a stone” is no fun at all. He wants laughter and happiness along the way.
• Proposal of a Game: To make the journey pleasant, the Host suggests a “game”, a form of entertainment that will bring joy to all. This game is a tale-telling contest, where each pilgrim will tell stories during the journey to pass the time with pleasure and wisdom.
• Condition of Obedience: He asks everyone to accept his judgment and follow his rules if they agree to play. With humor, he says, “But ye be myrie, I wol yeve yow myn heed!” It means, “If you are not merry, I will give you my head!” This shows his playful and lively nature.
• Call for Agreement: Finally, he says, “Hold up your hands, withouten moore speche!”, asking everyone to raise their hands in agreement. All the pilgrims gladly accept the idea. In this part, the Host brings unity, fun, and creativity into the group. His proposal begins the central frame of The Canterbury Tales, the storytelling contest that turns a simple pilgrimage into a lively journey of imagination, humor, and human truth.

 

The Host’s Game Plan – The Birth of The Canterbury Tales

• Pilgrims’ Agreement: Chaucer says the pilgrims did not take long to decide. They gladly accepted the Host’s idea and said with one voice that whatever the Host decides will be followed.
• Details of the Proposal: The Host then explains the full plan: 

769 “Ye goon to Caunterbury — God yow speede,

                 “You go to Canterbury — God give you success,

770         The blisful martir quite yow youre meede!

                 May the blessed martyr give you your reward!

This means every pilgrim will tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two on the way back, four stories in total.

• Prize for the Winner: 

• “And which of yow that bereth hym best of alle…

• Shal have a soper at oure aller cost.”

The pilgrim who tells the best tale, full of “best sentence and moost solaas”. It means the best moral and the most pleasure will receive a free supper at the cost of all the others when they return.

• • Host’s Role: The Host declares:

• “I wol myselven goodly with yow ryde,

•  Right at myn owene cost, and be youre gyde.”

He will ride with them, act as their guide, judge, and leader, and ensure that the journey stays cheerful.

• • Rule of the Game: If anyone disobeys or refuses the Host’s decision,

• “Shal paye al that we spenden by the weye.”

That person will have to pay for all the expenses of the journey alone!

• Final Decision: He ends by saying that if everyone agrees, they must show their approval immediately, as he will prepare everything early the next morning. Through this plan, the structure of The Canterbury Tales is created. It becomes a perfect blend of storytelling, laughter, competition, and wisdom, a joyful reflection of human life and society.

The Pilgrims Agree to the Host’s Plan – Unity Before the Journey

• Joyful Acceptance: Chaucer tells us that the pilgrims happily accepted the Host’s proposal. They swore joyfully to follow the rules of the game.
• Faith in the Host’s Leadership: They requested the Host to act as their guide, judge, and record-keeper, the one to decide whose story is the best.
• Setting the Prize: They also asked him to fix the price of the supper for the winner. Everyone promised to obey him in all matters, both great and small.
• Night of Celebration: All the pilgrims agreed together with laughter and cheer. Then, they brought wine, drank happily, and went to rest with excitement for the next day. In this joyful ending of The General Prologue, Chaucer shows a spirit of friendship, unity, and enthusiasm among the pilgrims. From this moment, begins their great and lively storytelling journey, the immortal work, The Canterbury Tales.

The Journey Begins and the First Tale Is Chosen – The Opening of The Canterbury Tales

• Morning Awakening: Chaucer describes the cheerful beginning of the new day. At dawn, when the first light of the sun appeared, the Host woke up early, like a rooster. He called all the pilgrims together and prepared them for a joyful and united start to their holy journey.
• The Journey Starts: The pilgrims slowly mounted their horses and began to ride. They reached a place called The Watering of Saint Thomas, a famous landmark near Southwark. It was there that the storytelling competition was to begin.
• Host’s Reminder and Announcement: The Host gathered everyone’s attention. He reminded them of the agreement they made the previous night, that each pilgrim must tell stories for fun and wisdom. Now, he said, it was time to decide who would tell the first tale.
• Drawing of Lots: To make the choice fair, the Host suggested a lottery; every pilgrim would draw a small straw, and the one who drew the shortest straw would begin the storytelling. Everyone joined in with laughter and excitement.
• The Knight Wins the Lot: The result went in favor of the Knight. All the pilgrims were happy and satisfied because the Knight was the most noble, wise, and respected of them all. They felt it was fitting that he should begin.
• The Knight’s Humility and Readiness: The Knight accepted the result with great humility. He said that since the lot had fallen to him, surely by God’s will, he would gladly begin the game.
• The First Tale Begins: With a pleasant and cheerful smile, the Knight told everyone to listen. He then began his tale, “The Knight’s Tale.”

Thus begins the storytelling journey of The Canterbury Tales. It is not only the Knight’s story that starts here, but also a grand literary pilgrimage, a journey of human voices, humor, love, and wisdom that still lives in the heart of English literature.