Prologue to the Canterbury Tales,

Prologue to the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: Summary

Q. Write a summary of the general Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

Answer: The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, serves as an introduction to the collection of stories that follow. It sets the stage for the pilgrimage to Canterbury and provides a vivid portrayal of the diverse group of pilgrims who undertake the journey.

The prologue begins with a description of the season, spring, which symbolizes rebirth and renewal. The narrator, who is also a character in the tale, decides to join a group of twenty-nine pilgrims who are traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. These pilgrims come from various walks of life and represent different social classes, providing Chaucer with an opportunity to satirize and critique the society of his time.

Chaucer presents each pilgrim in detail, starting with the Knight, who is the embodiment of chivalry and honor. He is accompanied by his son, the Squire, a youthful and romantic character. The narrator then introduces the members of the clergy, including the Prioress, a nun who is more concerned with her appearance and manners than with her religious duties. The Monk and the Friar, both members of the clergy, are depicted as worldly and corrupt.

Chaucer also describes representatives of different professions, such as the Merchant, the Lawyer, and the Guildsmen. These characters are portrayed with a touch of satire, highlighting their flaws and vices. The Miller, for instance, is described as a brawny and boisterous man who loves to tell crude jokes and play tricks on his companions. The Wife of Bath, a wealthy and experienced woman, is known for her extensive travels and her five marriages.

The prologue also includes characters from the lower social classes, such as the Cook, the Shipman, and the Plowman. Chaucer's portrayal of these characters reflects his keen observation of human nature and his ability to create vivid and memorable personalities.

As the pilgrims set off on their journey, the narrator expresses his intention to tell a collection of tales. Each pilgrim will tell two stories on the way to Canterbury and two on the way back, making a total of 120 stories. Chaucer, however, was unable to complete his ambitious plan, and The Canterbury Tales remain unfinished.

The General Prologue is not only a character introduction but also a social commentary. Chaucer uses humor, irony, and satire to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of the medieval society. He criticizes the corruption within the clergy, the social pretensions of the upper class, and the moral failings of individuals from all walks of life.

However, the General Prologue also reflects the emerging middle class of Chaucer's time. The pilgrimage itself becomes a microcosm of society, where people from different backgrounds come together and interact. It showcases the growing social mobility and the blurring of social boundaries.

In fact, the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales serves as an engaging and insightful introduction to the collection of stories that follow. Through his vivid descriptions and keen observations, Chaucer presents a diverse group of pilgrims and offers a critical commentary on the society of his time. The prologue sets the stage for the tales that will be told, inviting the readers to embark on a literary journey through medieval England.

*****

👉 Prologue to the Canterbury Tales | Chaucer's portrayal of 14th century England

👉 Pearl, as an ideal vision poem | 14th-century Middle English

👉 The Canterbury Tales | M.C.Q (Mock Test)

👉 Paradise Lost Book IV by John Milton | Theme of Obedience