The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer - #1
Part I. Characters from Lines 1-168:
The Narrator: -the storyteller who names himself Chaucer is the first character we meet. Though his name is Chaucer,
it is not clear whether his opinions represent those of the author. The Narrator presents himself as naïve,
but does not mind passing his opinions and judgments on each of the characters he meets. We learn
about the Narrator’s prejudices through his characterizations, as well as the corruption that causes such
prejudices.
The Knight: -the first character the Narrator introduces is the Knight. He is the only member of the aristocracy on this
pilgrimage. Though the Narrator finds him admirable and distinguished, he also clearly points out that
the Knight has often fought as a mercenary (paid soldier) (lines 63-69). His social behavior, however, is
impeccable and worthy of praise, according to the Narrator.
The Squire: -the second character the Narrator introduces is the Squire. He is the knight’s son and apprentice. He is
described as a good looking lady’s man. He is twenty years old and in training to be a knight. Though he
shows some promise in battle, his main concern is loving the ladies.
The Yeoman: -the third character the Narrator introduces is the Yeoman. The Yeoman is the servant who accompanies
the Knight and the Squire, but he is described as wearing the attire and gear of a forester. Note that the
medal of St. Christopher he wears does not necessarily make him a religious man because St. Christopher
is the patron saint of travelers. Many travelers wore this medal to encourage good luck.
The Prioress: -the fourth character the Narrator describes is a nun, the Prioress. She is sweet and flirty, and her
nickname is Madam Eglantyne. Eglantyne is a type of wild rose vine and is also the nickname of several
clingy heroines in Medieval Literature. Her description makes us wonder why she chose life as a nun.
She is concerned with personal appearance. She wears fancy clothes and speaks in French in order to
appear well-educated. The Narrator is quick to tell us, however, that her French is not that of the Court or
upperclass. Her taste in clothes and trinkets also makes us question her position in the church as church
officials (nuns, priests, monks, etc.) were expected to swear a vow of poverty.
Part II. Summary of Lines 1-168:
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The Narrator begins a journey to Canterbury in April as is the custom in those days. He begins his journey from
Southwark, a suburb of London, at the Tabard Inn.
When it is almost time for him to leave on his religious pilgrimage, 29 other pilgrims join him at the Inn. The
Narrator decides to accompany these pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury to make the trip more entertaining.
The Narrator also determines that he will describe each character based on their physical condition, their
profession, social status, and appearance (especially clothing).
The Narrator suggests that the Knight is honorable, distinguished, truthful, generous, and courteous—all
behaviors that were expected for a chivalrous knight.
The Narrator also suggests that though the Knight is chivalrous, he has often participated in battles where he was
paid for his services and taken part in tournaments where he killed his opponent rather than being merciful.
The Narrator also depicts the Knight as a man who is fairly unconcerned with physical appearance. He arrives for
the journey straight from battle with a blood-stained tunic in an effort to cleanse himself by participating in this
religious pilgrimage.
Next, the Narrator describes the Squire, who is the son of the Knight. The Squire is described as good-looking
with some success in small battles. However, most of the Squire’s description is devoted to his behavior where
young women are concerned.
The Squire is well dressed (another means of impressing the ladies) and enjoys writing and reciting songs and
poems. He likes to draw, dance, and write, but he also participates in appropriately knightly activities like
jousting. It is also implied that the Squire sleeps very little because most of his time is devoted to being a lover.
He is, however, courteous and humble and takes his role as Squire seriously.
The Yeoman is the third character to whom we are introduced. The Narrator merely states that he is a servant of
the Knight and Squire. The rest of the description is devoted to his personal appearance.
Chaucer introduces us to the fourth character who is a type of nun, a Prioress, in line 122. He spends forty-four
lines discussing her behavior and appearance for good reason. Most church officials were expected to take a vow
of celibacy and poverty, yet this nun is quite flirtatious and consumed with physical appearance and social status.
Physically, she is described as being overweight, again a sign of wealth and prosperity.
The Narrator tells us that her greatest oath is, “By Saint Loy,” which refers to Saint Loy, the patron saint of
goldsmiths and courtiers. Her oath shows us that she places more importance on material wealth and position
than on her vows to the church.
Chaucer’s reference to her ability to speak French and her counterfeit courtly behavior show that she is attempting
to place herself at a higher position of the social ladder than her true place.
She is, however, tenderhearted when it comes to matters concerning emotion. This is further emphasized when
Chaucer describes her eglantyne (emotionally clingy) behavior. The engraved golden broach which she wears
upon her clothes says, “Love conquers all,” an engraving which does not usually relate to church activities or
chastity.
Part III. Questions on Characters from Lines 1-168:
Use your own paper to record your answers to these questions after reading the passage in the text and the summary of
the characters and their specific lines.
1. Illustrate the cause and effect relationship that is taking place in lines 1-18. Use the chart to write your ideas.
When this happens…
This takes place…
 April showers fall
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Flowers bloom, birds sing
2. During what time of year do the pilgrimages occur?
3. Look up a map of England. Locate Southwark (southeast district of London) and Canterbury (nearer the
southeast coast). Why was Southwark a good location from which to start a pilgrimage to Canterbury?
4. Analyze the sentence in lines 19-27. In what circumstances does the speaker find himself?
5.
How does the tone of lines 19-34 compare to that of lines 1-18?
6. What do you expect will follow lines 38-41?
7.
Why is the Knight the first pilgrim the narrator describes?
8. Although the Knight is considered admirable and even idealized, lines 65-68 suggest that his character may have
flaws. Identify the Knight’s possible shortcomings. Give reasons for your explanation.
9. Chaucer states that “He was a true, a perfect gentle-knight.” Is this an indirect or direct characterization? Give
evidence to state how you know.
10. What are some modern equivalents to the Squire’s apparent concern for his appearance and his attempt to gain
the attention of the opposite sex?
11. The Yeoman wears a St. Christopher medal. Does this necessarily mean he is pious (religious)? Explain your
answer.
12. Eglantyne is a type of wild rose whose long, thorny stems readily entangle passersby. Not surprisingly, Elantyne
was also the name of several “clinging-vine” heroines in medieval romances. What is Chaucer saying about the
Prioress by this seemingly innocuous use of a character’s name? Hint: think of qualities of the rose and of a the
traditional lady who needs rescued by the prince.
13. Chaucer remarks that the Prioress spoke perfect, textbook French, but she did not speak French in the refined
manner of true Parisians. What is he telling you about the Prioress with this statement?
14. Should Chaucer’s excessive praise of the Prioress be taken literally? Is he overstating her fastidious behavior in
order to achieve some other effect?
15. What kind of characterization is used in line 154? What did the Prioress do to cause the narrator to reach this
conclusion?
16. How large is the Prioress? Why does the author use understatement (a type of sarcasm-remember this!) in his
description instead of stating his opinion directly?
17. Re-read lines 162-167. What is Chaucer indirectly saying about the Prioress’s character with this statement? Is it
a reflection of the golden rule or a suggestion of a more worldly sentiment? See the footnote. Explain your answer.