Topic : The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
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, and various study materials of The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
Main text
The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue
Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote,
The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,
And bathed every veyne in swich licóur
Of which vertú engendred is the flour;
Whan Zephirus eek with his swete breeth
Inspired hath in every holt and heeth
The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne
Hath in the Ram his halfe cours y-ronne,
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Key info
The Father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, presents 30 pilgrims in this literary work. Each pilgrim represents the diverse social classes of 14th-century England. Written between 1387 and 1400, this satirical masterpiece captures the decaying feudal system and rising middle-class post-Black Death. Framed as a pilgrimage to Canterbury, it reflects a society in flux, narrated in Chaucer’s signature rhymed couplets of Middle English.
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.
Characters
The Knight is a true example of chivalry. He is brave, honorable, and loyal. He fights for truth and justice and shows courtesy to all.
Quotations
Let us study the most remarkable 15 quotes from Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue."
Notes
- How does Chaucer Portray the Ecclesiastical Characters in the General Prologue? How does Chaucer Portray the Ecclesiastical Characters in the General Prologue? Or In what Light does Chaucer Represent the Clergy in His Prologue To The Canterbury Tales? In 14th century England, religion had control over[Expand...]
- Write on the Female Characters in the General Prologue To the Canterbury Tales.Write on the Female Characters in the General Prologue To the Canterbury Tales. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400), in his "The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales'', introduces various female characters. Each of them reveals something about[Expand...]
- The Courtly Characters in The General Prologue To The Canterbury TalesThe Courtly Characters in The General Prologue To The Canterbury Tales. Introduction: The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales is a unique creation of the father of English Poetry "Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). The General Prologue[Expand...]