The Canterbury Tales - Prologue Flashcards
The Knight
2nd estate, follows chivalric code, modest and humble, goes to Canterbury to thank the Saint of Thomas a Becket for keeping him alive during battle
exact description:
there was a knight, a most distingued man who from the day on which he first began to ride abroad had followed chivalry, truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy. he had done nobly in his soverign;s was and ridden itno battle, no man more, as well in Christian as in heathen places, and even honoured for his noble graces. when we took alexandria, he was there. he often satat table in a chair of honour, above all nations, when in purssia, in lithuania, he had ridden, and Russia, no christian man so often, of his rank. When in Granada, Algecircas sank under assult, he had been there snd in North Africa, raiding Benamarin; in Anatolia he had been as well and fought when ayas and attalia fell. for a all along the medetteranean coast he has embarked with amny a boble host. in fifteen mortal battles he had been and jousted for our fath at Tramissene Thrict in the lsits and always killed a man. this same distinguieed knigth ahd led the van once with the Bey of Balat, doing work for him against another heathen turk he was sovereign value in all eyes. and though so much distinguised, he was wise and in his bearing modest as a maid. he never yet a boorish thing had said in all his life to any, come what might. he was a true, a perfect gentle knight. speaking of hid equiptment, he possessed fine horses, but he was not gaily dressed. he wore a fustian tunic stained and dark with smudges.
The Squire
The Squire in The Canterbury Tales is a young, vibrant, and energetic character. He’s the son of the Knight and serves as his father’s apprentice.
Described as having curly hair and being about 20 years old, full of life and vigor.
Skilled in riding horses, jousting, dancing, drawing, and writing.
Deeply in love, often dreaming of his lady.
aspires to the chivalric ideals his father embodies, showing promise as a noble knight.
exact wording paraphrased:
a lover and cadet, a lad of fire. with locks asd curly as if they had been pressed. he was some twenty years of age i guessed
in stature he was of a moderate length with wondergul agility and strength. he was emobroidered liek a meadow bright and full of the freshest flowers, red and white. he was as fresh as the month of may, knew how to ride horses, joust, make songs, poems, write, etc
the Yeoman
3rd estate, an artcher, wears St. Christopher symbol (Saint of Archery)
He’s dressed in a green coat and hood, carrying a bow and arrows. He has a brace on his arm to protect it while shooting, and his arrows are carefully organized.
servant to the Knight
proficient with weapons,
spends time outdoors
meticulous nature and preparedness
exact wording paraphrased:
no other servant, so he chose to ride. this teoman wore a coat and hood of green ,and peackock feathered arrows, bright and keen and neaty sheated, hung at his belt the wile, for he cound dress his gear in yeoman style. his arrows never drooped their feathers low, and his hand he bore a mighty bow. his head was like a nut, his face was brown, he knew the whole of woodcraft up and down. a saucy brace was on his arm to ward it from the bow-string, and shield and sword hung at one side and at hte other slipped a jaunty dirk, spear-sharp and well-equipted. he was a proper forester, i guess
the nun/prioress (Mme Eglantyne)
Madame Eglantine, classified as a virgin, sympathetic, suppresses bad qualities/secrets, clean/neat, concerned with social propriety and appearance
the monk
first estate, gluttony
loved hunting, hunts smaller animals, doesnt follow proper rules a monk should, doesnt spend his time in a monestary, the monk is looking for a woman (?), viewed as dishonest and repulsive, wears nice clothing unlike other monks
amor vincit omnia
love conquers all
the friar (Hubert)
1st estate, ignoble, greedy
a “limiter” noble pillar to his order, highly loved, had a lsiceanse from the pope, requires rhat people give him gifts in order to prove they want to pay penence
the merchant
3rd estate
well dressed, intelligent, “though a philosopher, he had not found tue stone for making gold”, in debt even though he presents himself as wealthy. concerned with his own financial gain
oxford-cleric
“whatever money from his friends he took, he spent on learning another book, dedicated scholar
the doctor
intelligent/good communicator, educated in both medicine and surgery, “perfect practicing physician”, not religious, loves money, greedy
the Bath’s wife
had 5 husbands, widow, bold
Alison, strong opinions on the dynamic of relationships, female authority, and love
the parson
rich in thought and work, poor, preached christ’s gospel, gave to the poor, genuinly a good model of christian virtueThe Parson is one of the most virtuous and respected characters in The Canterbury Tales. Unlike many of the other pilgrims, who often exhibit various vices or hypocrisies, the Parson is portrayed as a genuinely good and devout man. He is a parish priest who truly practices what he preaches, living a life of simplicity, humility, and dedication to his parishioners. Chaucer describes the Parson as patient, compassionate, and caring, always willing to help those in need. He is not concerned with wealth or social status, but rather with the spiritual well-being of his flock. The Parson is a model of Christian charity and piety, making him a stark contrast to some of the more worldly and corrupt characters among the pilgrims.
the plowman
“honest worker, good and true, living in peach and perfect charity”, deeply religous and devoted to God, helps the poor, the parson’s brother, 3rd estate The Plowman is one of the most humble and admirable characters in The Canterbury Tales. He is the brother of the Parson and is depicted as a hardworking, honest, and devout man. Chaucer portrays the Plowman as living a simple and virtuous life, working diligently in his field and loving God and his neighbors. Unlike some of the more worldly and flawed characters among the pilgrims, the Plowman is a paragon of Christian virtue. He is described as always willing to help others without expecting anything in return and is content with his modest means. His dedication to his labor and his faithfulness make him a model of humility and integrity.
the miller
heavyset, a “wrangler and buffoon”, has a host of tavern/inappropriate stories
Chaucer portrays him as a large, strong man with a red beard and a wart on his nose. He is known for his crude behavior and love of storytelling, often sharing bawdy and humorous tales.
the reeve
old, bad tempered, thin, rich, does not get along with the miller, a carpenter Named Oswald, he is depicted as a shrewd and irritable man, somewhat of a contrast to the other pilgrims. He is an estate manager, responsible for overseeing the lands and finances of a lord. Chaucer describes him as thin, choleric, and incredibly meticulous in his work, to the point that no one could cheat or deceive him.
the Manciple
smart with money, intelligent, frugal (economically sparing)
summoner
depicted with a flame-colored face, “children were afraid when he appeared”, mean, only spoke latin when drunk, “questio quid juris” (I was what law), summons people to court, rode with the pardoner, creepy, weird, repulsive, excuses people through bribes, blackmails, uses his knowledge against people
He is depicted as a corrupt and lecherous church official whose job is to summon people to ecclesiastical court for their sins. Chaucer describes him as having a repulsive appearance, with a face covered in sores and a fondness for garlic, onions, and strong wine, which further contributes to his unsavory character.
