Write a note on the courtly characters in The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

Answer

Write a note on the courtly characters in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.”

“The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales” is a unique creation of the father of English Poetry, Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). The General Prologue to Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” introduces us to a diverse group of characters from different social classes. These include courtly characters associated with the royal court.  Let us see how the courtly characters are portrayed in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.”

The Knight: The Knight is the first character and storyteller mentioned in the General Prologue. He is described as the embodiment of chivalry and honor. He has fought fifteen mortal battles. He has traveled widely and gained great wisdom and experience. He is a highly respected member of the court. His appearance in the tale highlights the importance of the code of chivalry and the ideal of nobility. Chaucer says,

“A Knyght ther was, and that a worthy man,

That fro the tyme that he first bigan

To riden out, he loved chivalrie,

Trouthe and honóur, fredom and curteisie.”

The Squire: The Squire is the son of the Knight. He is also associated with the court. He is a young man of twenty years. He is still learning the ways of chivalry and is eager to prove himself in battle. He is described as being very handsome and charming. He has a great talent for singing and playing musical instruments. He represents the ideal of courtly love. He embodies the youthful enthusiasm and energy of the court. He can sing, dance, draw, write, and compose songs. 

“He was as fressh as is the month of May.”

The Yeoman: The Yeoman is a servant of the Knight and the Squire. He is also associated with the court. He is a skilled archer dressed in a green tunic and hood. It indicates his connection to the forest and nature. He represents the hunting culture of the court. 

The Prioress: In the General Prologue, the Prioress is implied to be associated with the court through her connections to the aristocracy. She is elegant and refined, with good table manners and impressive clothing. Her religious virtue is also emphasized, but her courtly demeanor suggests that she is more concerned with outward appearances and social status than spiritual devotion. She always ensures no food or sauce falls from her lips and onto her breast.

“She leet no morsel from hir lippes falle,

Ne wette hir fyngres in hir sauce depe.

Wel koude she carie a morsel and wel kepe

Thát no drope ne fille upon hire brist;”

The Friar: The Friar is a religious figure who is also a courtly gentleman. He is described as being,

“Ful wel biloved and famulier was he

With frankeleyns over al in his contree,”

It suggests his ability to socialize with wealthy and influential members of society. He is also said to have  a “licence of absolution.”  It is the power to forgive sins. These details suggest that the Friar is not entirely devoted to his religious duties but is more interested in socializing and indulging in worldly pleasures.

The Monk: The Monk is another character associated with the court. He is described as being very wealthy and living a luxurious lifestyle. He enjoys hunting and spending time in the company of wealthy and influential people rather than devoting himself to religious meditation. His appearance in the tale highlights the church’s and court’s corruption and worldliness. The monk enjoys a life of luxury. He enjoys hunting and owns many excellent horses. 

“A manly man, to been an abbot able.

Ful many a deyntee hors hadde he in stable,

And whan he rood, men myghte his brydel heere”

To sum up, the General Prologue’s courtly characters are portrayed as educated, sophisticated, and well-connected to the aristocracy and the royal court. They represent the ideals of chivalry, nobility, and courtly love, as well as the court’s and the church’s corruption and worldliness.