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1st Semester

1st Semester

1st Semester

Chaucer Notes

Chaucer’s Prologue

v   An introduction to the pilgrim’s stories

v   Told completely in iambic pentameter, (10 syllables per line, ABAB format)

v   29 pilgrims attend the voyage to honor Sir Thomas Becket’s death (only 28 are mentioned)

v   Beckett was a religious martyr killed “accidentally” by the king’s soldiers

v   Voyage begins in London, in a small sub-division called Southwark

v   Everyone meets at The Tabard, a pub

v   People from all walks of life attend the pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, (Cook, Knight, Nun, Sargeant of the Law), etc.

v   It is a FRAME story, (a story with stories inside of it)

v   Each pilgrim tells their story to pass the time

v   People who tell boring stories are humiliated, told to be quiet.

v   Stories often include sexual content, most are humorous

v   First person introduced: The Knight. The Knight is nobility

v   The Knight follows the Code of Honor described as chivalrous.

v   The Knight had fought in many battles, traveled world wide, a true and gentle Knight.

v   Knight is dirty

v   Squire is about 20 years old. Knights son. He has done some service with the cavalry. Able to do many things; courteous.

v   Yeoman is like an archer or guard. Described as having an outstanding bow and arrow set and head like a nut.

v   Chaucer doesn’t  reveal much about his personality, but isn’t necessarily annoying, or Chaucer would comment.

v   The Nun, known as Madame Eglantyne, is very neat and clean; perfect manners. Proper French; educated, and well poised.

v   The Nun cries over the death of animals, or the mistreatment of animals.

v   She dresses nicely; pretty

v   Chaucer points out that she is not “undergrown”, a nice way of stating that she is big. Also points out that she has a large forehead.

v   The Monk likes hunting; a manly man. Owns lots of horses.

v   Not a very traditional monk. He doesn’t like to study his religion.

v   The Monk is very fat. He has lots of money; wears the best clothes. He owns many Greyhounds.