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”. [2019, 2016] 

Courtly characters are those people who belong to the upper or noble class of society. They are connected with the royal court, chivalry, or high social manners. In “The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales,” Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400) gives a full picture of fourteenth-century English society. Among his thirty pilgrims, some belong to the courtly class. They show nobility, honour, and gentle manners. 

The Knight: The Knight is the most respected pilgrim. He has fought fifteen battles in foreign lands. He fights for faith and honour. Chaucer says,

“At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene.”

(He had been at fifteen mortal battles.)

He fought in Alexandria, Prussia, and Grenada. He is brave but also humble. He is modest in dress and speech. He wears a simple fustian coat, stained from war. He goes on pilgrimage to thank God. He represents true knighthood and perfect gentleness.

The Squire: The Squire is the Knight’s son. He is young, handsome, and full of love. He is twenty years old. He sings, dances, writes songs, and paints. Chaucer says about him,

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

(He was as fresh as is the month of May.)

He has curly hair and wears colourful clothes with flowers. He fights bravely in Flanders and Picardy. But he loves romance more than war. He is polite, cheerful, and serves his father humbly. He represents the beauty, youth, and joy of the noble class.

The Yeoman: The Yeoman travels with the Knight and Squire. He wears a green coat and a hood. He carries a bow, sword, and dagger. He is brown-faced and strong. He knows the art of woodcraft and hunting. He wears a silver St. Christopher medal on his chest. He is a symbol of duty and faithfulness. He serves his master with care and skill. He is a faithful