Task 1

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400), often called the "Father of English poetry," was born into a
wealthy London family. As a teenager, he became a page in a noble household, gaining exposure
to aristocratic life. He later served as a soldier during the Hundred Years' War and was ransomed
by King Edward III, which boosted his status at court. Over his life, he held various government
roles, including customs official and diplomat, and his travels to Italy and France greatly
influenced his writing.

Chaucer married Philippa Roet around 1366, securing his courtly position. His literary works
began with dream visions that explored themes like loss and love. His exposure to Italian poets
like Dante and Boccaccio deepened his style, leading him to write a tragic love story set during
the Trojan War, known for its emotional and philosophical depth.

Chaucer’s most famous work is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to
Canterbury, offering a rich depiction of 14th-century English society. These stories, ranging
from comic to serious, are narrated by characters from various social classes, each with their own
views on life. Though left unfinished, this work had a significant impact on English literature by
showcasing the use of English over Latin or French.

Chaucer’s legacy lies in his innovative use of the English language and his creation of richly
varied characters and narratives, influencing generations of poets and writers.

Task 3

What is the structure of the General Prologue?

General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales follows a narrative structure where the narrator
introduces the setting, the season (spring), and the pilgrims gathering at an inn. It begins with a
poetic description of nature's renewal in April, followed by the introduction of the characters,
their social status, and their intentions for the pilgrimage. Chaucer structures the prologue as a
frame narrative, establishing the journey to Canterbury and setting up the individual tales that
each character will tell.

What is the basic purpose of the General Prologue?

The General Prologue serves as an introduction to the larger work, The Canterbury Tales. Its
primary purpose is to introduce the group of pilgrims who will tell the tales, provide a social
commentary on the various classes and professions of medieval society, and set the tone for the
storytelling competition. It also frames the pilgrimage as a religious journey, while subtly
introducing the diverse human motives and personalities involved.

Why is the prologue important in The Canterbury Tales?

The prologue is essential because it sets the stage for the entire collection of stories. It introduces
the reader to the wide range of characters from different walks of life, highlighting the diversity
of medieval society. This diversity creates an opportunity for Chaucer to explore themes of
morality, religion, and human nature. Additionally, the prologue establishes the social dynamics
among the pilgrims, which influences their tales and interactions throughout the narrative.

Comparison of Chaucer's Original Text and the Modern Translation

The lexicon in Chaucer’s original Middle English text is characterized by older vocabulary,
spelling, and grammar that reflect the linguistic stage of English at the time (late 14th century).
For example, words like “shoures soote” (sweet showers) and “droghte of March” (drought of
March) are examples of Middle English diction. The modern translation by Nevill Coghill uses
more contemporary English vocabulary and structure, making it accessible to modern readers.
Words such as “sweet showers” and “pierce the drought” maintain the meaning but update the
lexicon to modern usage. The modern version smooths out the syntax, making it more familiar to
modern readers, while the original is marked by more complex word order and archaic terms.

Task 4

The Monk is described as "manly" and "robust" with a love for hunting, which was "not to be too
strictly confined" by the rules of "St. Benet or St. Maur." He owned "many a dainty horse," and
his "jingling" bridle could be heard. The Monk "let go by" the old rules, preferring "modern"
ways. He had "greyhounds as swift as birds" and his sleeves were lined with "fine grey fur,"
fastened with a "gold pin" shaped like a "lover's knot." His bald head shone "like a looking-
glass," and his face was "greasy." He loved "a fat swan" the best and rode a "brown as a berry"
horse.

The Friar, Hubert, was "wanton and merry," with the ability to "fix up marriages." He "heard
confessions" easily, having a "special license from the Pope." He gave "pleasant absolution" in
exchange for "gifts." Hubert kept "pocket-knives and pins" to give to "pretty girls." His voice
was "gay and sturdy" when he sang, and he "played the hurdy-gurdy." His neck was "white as a
lily," and he knew "the taverns well." He dressed "like a doctor or a pope" and was more
"intimate" with the wealthy than the poor.

The Merchant wore a "motley" dress, a "Flemish beaver hat," and "daintily buckled boots." He
was always "harping on his increase of capital," and he thought "there should be sea-police."
Although "so stately" in appearance, "no one knew he was in debt."

The Oxford Cleric was a "student" who rode a "horse as lean as a rake." He was "still a student"
and "hadn’t found a job" in the Church. He spent all his money on "learning or another book"
and "prayed for" those who gave him financial help. He "spoke little," but his words were "full
of moral virtue."

The Sergeant at the Law was "discreet" and "a man to reverence." He was "wise" and "often had
been Justice of Assize." He knew "every statute" by heart. He wore a "parti-colored coat" and a
"silken belt of pinstripe stuff."

The Franklin was "white as a daisy-petal" and had a "beard" with a "ruddy" complexion. His
"sanguine" disposition made him a believer in living for "pleasure." His table "stood ready all
day long," stocked with "bread and ale" and "wines." He was a "Justice at the Sessions" and kept
a "cook" who could prepare the finest "sop in wine."

The tradesmen—Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker—wore "gear,"

"fresh" and "trim," with "knives of purest silver." Their wives wanted to be "called ‘Madam’"
and treated "like a queen."

The Cook made "blancmange" and could "distinguish London ale by flavor." However, he had
an "ulcer on his knee."
The Skipper hailed from "Dartmouth" and rode a "farmer's horse." He wore a "woolen gown"
and had a "dagger" on a lanyard. He made his prisoners "walk the plank" and his ship was called
"The Maudelayne."

The Doctor was dressed in "blood-red garments," "slashed with bluish grey." He worked "by
natural magic" and "loved gold," which he believed "stimulates the heart." He rarely read "the
Bible."

The Wife of Bath was "somewhat deaf" and wore "kerchiefs of finely woven ground" and
"scarlet red" hose. She had "five" husbands and a "gap-teeth," which were seen as a sign of
"travel" and experience. She had been on "many a pilgrimage" and "knew the remedies for love’s
mischances."

The Parson was "poor" but "rich in holy thought and work." He was a "learned man" who "knew
Christ’s gospel" and lived it "truly." He was "never disdainful" and traveled on foot to "visit the
farthest, whether great or small."

The Plowman, the Parson's brother, was a "honest worker" who "lived in peace and perfect
charity." He loved "God" with all his heart and helped "the poor." He wore a "tabard smock" and
rode a "mare."

The Miller was "big in brawn and bone" with a "red beard" and a wart on his nose. He "could
heave any door off hinge and post" and "liked to play the bagpipes." He was a "master-hand at
stealing grain" and had a "thumb of gold."

The group described is "diverse," ranging from religious figures to "wealthy landowners,"
tradesmen, and "common workers," each with distinct "characteristics."

Task 5

In "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer's tone toward his characters varies widely, ranging from
respectful and admiring to mocking and critical. For instance, the narrator’s tone toward the
Monk is ironic and critical of his hypocrisy. He describes the Monk as someone who "let go by
the things of yesterday" and "spared for no expense," emphasizing his indulgence and disregard
for traditional monastic values. Similarly, the Friar is portrayed with a satirical and cynical tone,
as he is described as "wanton and merry," someone who "had a special license from the Pope"
and offered "pleasant absolution for gifts," revealing the narrator’s disdain for his corruption.

In contrast, Chaucer adopts a more detached and mildly mocking tone toward the Merchant,
noting that "none knew he was in debt" and that he "harps on his increase of capital." This
highlights the Merchant's obsession with appearance and wealth. The Oxford Cleric, however, is
described with respect and sympathy. The narrator admires his dedication to learning, stating that
he "would gladly learn, and gladly teach," though he notes the cleric’s poverty by mentioning his
"lean" horse.

The tone shifts again to a more neutral and respectful one when discussing the Sergeant at the
Law, who is portrayed as "discreet" and wise, with the narrator noting that he "knew every
statute by heart." Similarly, the Franklin is described with admiration and warmth. The narrator
appreciates his generosity, describing his hospitality with phrases like "his bread, his ale, were
always the best."
The tone becomes slightly pitiful but neutral when the narrator talks about the Cook. Though his
skills are acknowledged—he "could distinguish London ale by flavor"—the mention of "an ulcer
on his knee" adds a layer of discomfort and sympathy. A critical and disapproving tone is used to
describe the Skipper, who is portrayed as ruthless, someone who "made his prisoners walk the
plank" and "ignored the nicer rules of conscience."

Chaucer’s tone toward the Doctor is detached and cynical. Although the Doctor’s knowledge of
medicine is acknowledged, the narrator notes that he "had a special love of gold" and "did not
read the Bible very much," suggesting a materialistic and self-serving nature. In contrast, the
Wife of Bath is portrayed with an amused and admiring tone. The narrator comments on her
"gap-teeth" and her experience with love, noting she "had five husbands" and "knew the
remedies for love’s mischances."

The narrator adopts a reverent and admiring tone when describing the Parson, who is depicted as
"rich in holy thought and work" and as someone who "taught, but followed it himself before."
This admiration extends to the Plowman, whose honest and hardworking nature is praised. The
narrator describes him as "an honest worker, good and true," emphasizing his piety and
generosity.

Finally, Chaucer’s tone becomes more mocking and disapproving when describing the Miller.
He is presented as a brash and vulgar figure, a "great stout fellow big in brawn and bone," who is
both a "wrangler and buffoon" and could "heave any door off hinge and post." This portrayal
reflects the narrator’s disdain for the Miller’s crude and boisterous behavior.

Task 6

Yes, I agree with John Dryden's observation that Chaucer created distinctive characters in The
Canterbury Tales. Each pilgrim is developed with unique traits that set them apart, not just in
their personalities but also in their physical appearances. For example, the Knight is portrayed as
noble and modest, while the Wife of Bath is bold and flamboyant, with her "gap-teeth" and vivid
clothing reflecting her lively personality.

Chaucer also uses critical depictions, like the deceitful Pardoner with his unsettling appearance
and the crude, rough Miller, to further distinguish the characters. Through these vivid
descriptions and behaviors, Chaucer creates a memorable and diverse group of pilgrims, each
representing a different aspect of medieval society.

Task 7

Based on lines 455-486 of the "Prologue," the Wife of Bath is presented as an experienced
woman who has been through many tribulations in marriage. She hints at her expertise in the
"married life," suggesting she will share several examples of the difficulties within it. Her tone is
confident and assertive, signaling that she might challenge traditional views of love and marriage
in her tale. She also references authority figures like Ptolemy, showing her inclination to use
knowledge and personal experience to make her point.
Her view on love and marriage is likely to be unconventional. From the prologue, it is apparent
that she believes in her own dominance and wisdom in marital matters. She promises to present
"tribulations" in married life and implies that those who do not heed the lessons of others will
suffer the consequences. This suggests that her tale may critique the power dynamics between
men and women in marriage, emphasizing themes of control, personal experience, and possibly a
woman’s desire for sovereignty over her partner. Given her defiance of social norms, her tale
will likely advocate for female empowerment and challenge the male-dominated view of
marriage in medieval society.

Task 8

a) What seems to be the Wife of Bath's attitude toward friars?

(Lines 39-56)
The Wife of Bath's attitude toward friars is critical and mocking. She refers to them as being
intrusive and suggests that they roam around like "incubi" or spirits, implying that they are
predatory. The Wife insinuates that friars have replaced evil spirits, causing discomfort and harm
rather than providing help.

b) What punishment do the king and the law demand? To whom does the king grant the
final judgment?
(Lines 65-74)
The king and the law demand the knight's death for committing a crime. However, the king
ultimately grants the queen the final judgment, allowing her to decide the knight's fate. The
queen offers him a chance to redeem himself instead of being executed.

c) How does the knight's statement relate to what he has learned about "the thing that
women most desire"?
(Lines 405-425)
In these lines, the knight finally grasps that what women most desire is sovereignty or power
over their own lives and choices. When the knight tells the old woman that she should choose for
herself whether to be young and unfaithful or old and loyal, he demonstrates that he has learned
to respect a woman's autonomy.

d) Were you surprised by the outcome of the knight's quest? Why or why not?
This is a personal question that can vary based on individual expectations. Some may be
surprised because they might have expected the knight to receive harsher punishment. Others
may not be surprised, as the story follows the theme of redemption and growth, which is a
common element in medieval tales.

e) What change does the queen make in the knight's sentence?

The queen changes the knight's sentence from death to a more challenging task: he must find the
answer to the question "What is it that women most desire?" within a year. This gives him a
chance for redemption instead of immediate punishment.

f) What information does the old woman give the knight?

The old woman tells the knight that what women most desire is to have control over their
husbands and lovers, or sovereignty in their relationships. She offers him this answer in
exchange for a future favor.
g) What happens to the old woman after the knight agrees to abide by her decision?
After the knight agrees to let the old woman choose, she transforms into a young and beautiful
woman. This magical transformation rewards the knight for giving her the power to decide her
own fate, demonstrating his newfound understanding of what women most desire.

Task 9

The queen’s question to the knight—asking him what women most desire—directly relates to the
crime he committed, which was the brutal violation of a woman. His failure to understand or
respect a woman’s desires led to his crime. By posing this question, the queen forces the knight
to confront the consequences of his actions and to seek a deeper understanding of women’s
needs and wishes, emphasizing the importance of consent and mutual respect in relationships.

The theme conveyed by the tale highlights the significance of equality and autonomy in
marriage. It suggests that true happiness and fulfillment in a relationship come from recognizing
and valuing each partner's desires and autonomy. The tale advocates for a partnership where both
individuals have an equal voice, challenging traditional views of male dominance in marriage.

I agree with this message because it aligns with modern views on relationships that prioritize
mutual respect, understanding, and equality. A marriage built on these principles is likely to be
more fulfilling and harmonious, allowing both partners to thrive and grow together. The tale’s
conclusion reinforces the idea that love flourishes when both individuals feel empowered and
respected.