Joseph Cavuoti Essay for The Prologue
English IV - 2
February 22, 2018
1. How does Chaucer use characterization in The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales to demonstrate the changing social structure in late Medieval England?
Geoffrey Chaucer uses brilliant characterization in The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales to demonstrate the changing social structure in late Medieval England. Many of the characters of The Prologue are described by their clothing, language, actions, religion, and overall appearance. The characters are also divided into different social levels ranging from the aristocrats, being the most moral, to the immoral lower class, being the least moral.
Chaucer's first character in The Prologue, the Knight, is by far the most moral …show more content…
The Nun's name was Madam Eglantine. This is also the name for a type of wild rose that has a number of stems which are covered in prickly hooks. These hooks have a tendency to become tangled or clingy to surfaces. It would not be wrong to think that Chaucer is making fun of Eglantine being too clingy at certain points. Then there is the Monk. Hunting was his sport. He also had a large collection of horses in his stable. He was accompanied by two agile grey hounds that helped him hunt in the forest. His favorite mount was in fine condition, and his supple boots gave him comfort. His fellow monks preferred to live a boring and devout lifestyle while he preferred more adventurous life. The Friar is one of the worst characters in The Prologue. He gave the church of England a bad vibe because of his many terrible actions. Known to be the finest beggar of all, the friar would try to make money whenever he could. If someone needed to give a confession he would make them pay for it. His utter disregard for the poor and ill made him a hated man.
Another character Chaucer questions is the Wife of Bath. Her part of The Prologue explains her authority on marriage. She has been married five times. Having been married this many times makes her a very interesting character. She is always speaking from her experiences. Her story supports the idea of dominance of men to women, and what she
English IV - 2
February 22, 2018
1. How does Chaucer use characterization in The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales to demonstrate the changing social structure in late Medieval England?
Geoffrey Chaucer uses brilliant characterization in The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales to demonstrate the changing social structure in late Medieval England. Many of the characters of The Prologue are described by their clothing, language, actions, religion, and overall appearance. The characters are also divided into different social levels ranging from the aristocrats, being the most moral, to the immoral lower class, being the least moral.
Chaucer's first character in The Prologue, the Knight, is by far the most moral …show more content…
The Nun's name was Madam Eglantine. This is also the name for a type of wild rose that has a number of stems which are covered in prickly hooks. These hooks have a tendency to become tangled or clingy to surfaces. It would not be wrong to think that Chaucer is making fun of Eglantine being too clingy at certain points. Then there is the Monk. Hunting was his sport. He also had a large collection of horses in his stable. He was accompanied by two agile grey hounds that helped him hunt in the forest. His favorite mount was in fine condition, and his supple boots gave him comfort. His fellow monks preferred to live a boring and devout lifestyle while he preferred more adventurous life. The Friar is one of the worst characters in The Prologue. He gave the church of England a bad vibe because of his many terrible actions. Known to be the finest beggar of all, the friar would try to make money whenever he could. If someone needed to give a confession he would make them pay for it. His utter disregard for the poor and ill made him a hated man.
Another character Chaucer questions is the Wife of Bath. Her part of The Prologue explains her authority on marriage. She has been married five times. Having been married this many times makes her a very interesting character. She is always speaking from her experiences. Her story supports the idea of dominance of men to women, and what she