Prologue To The Canterbury Tales - Chaucer PDF

# Prologue to the Canterbury Tales - Chaucer ## Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) - Born between 1340-1345 probably in London. - Father was a prosperous wine merchant. - In 1357 he was a page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster (wife of Prince Lionel). - He was captured by the Fr...

# Prologue to the Canterbury Tales - Chaucer ## Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) - Born between 1340-1345 probably in London. - Father was a prosperous wine merchant. - In 1357 he was a page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster (wife of Prince Lionel). - He was captured by the French during the Brittany Expedition of 1359 but was ransomed by the King. - Edward III later sent him to France on a diplomatic mission. He also travelled to Genoa and Florence. - Around 1366, Chaucer married Philippa Roet, a lady in waiting in the Queen's household. - Phillippa's sister, Katherine Swynford later became the third wife of John of Gaunt (King's fourth son and Chaucer's patron). - In 1374 Chaucer was appointed Comptroller of the Lucrative London customs. - In 1386 he was elected Member of Parliament for Kent and also served as a justice of peace. - In 1389, he was made clerk of the King's works, overseeing loyal building projects. - He held a number of royal posts serving both Edward III and his successor Richard II. - Chaucer lived during: - Edward III – 1327-1377 - Richard II – 1377 -1399 - Henry IV – 1399 -1413 - He was the first poet to be buried in Westminster Abbey, now known as "The Poet's Corner". - Arnold called him father of English poetry. - In the "Legends of Good Women", the 9 legends are: - Cleopatra - Thisbe - Dido - Hypsipyle - Medea - Lucrece - Ariadne - Philomela - Phyllis - Hypermnestra - Dryden re-wrote Canterbury Tales in Modern English. - He was the first national poet of England. - Dryden said about him: - "Here is God's plenty ” - "A Rough diamond and must first be polished ere he shines”. - Boccacio exercised a deep influence on Chaucer. On diplomatic mission he was sent to Italy where he met Petrarch and Boccacio. He makes a clear reference of Petrarch in his Clerk's tale. - He is called father of English poetry and Grandfather of English Novel. - He is called morning star of song and morning star of Renaissance. - Arnold says about him: - "Chaucer lacks not only the accent of Dante, but also the high seriousness." - He is the first one to use Ottava Rima in The Book of The Duchess. (Ottava Rima is the eight syllable line in couplet rhyming) - He first used heroic couplet in *The Legends of Good Women*. (Heroic couplet is ten syllable line rhyming in Couplets ie, Decasyllabic Couplet) - He first used *Rhyme Royal* in *Troilus and Cressida*. *Rhyme Royal* is ten syllable line arranged in Seven line stanza (ABAB BCC). - Chaucer's *Troilus and Cressida* is called novel in verse. - In *The House of Fame*, Chaucer resemblance closes to Dante's Divine Comedy. - W. J. Long called the prologue to the Canterbury tales as “the prologue to modern fiction" because of its realism. - The general prologue of *The Canterbury Tales* contains 858 lines. - The general plan of Canterbury tales is taken from Boccacio's *Decameron*. In Canterbury the pilgrims could be seen going to Thomas a Beckett in the month of April. He gave pen picture of 21 pilgrims in this work. - "Had Chaucer written in prose it is possible his *Troilus and Cressida* and not Richardson's “Pamela” would be celebrated as 1st English Novel” - by S. D. Neil. - Edmund Spenser in his "Faerie Queene" called – "Chaucer, well of English undefiled." - Nevill Coghill interpreted Canterbury Tales in 20th Century English. - 'Albert' called Chaucer “The earliest of the great moderns.” and “the morning star of Renaissance.” - Dryden called Chaucer “The father of English poetry." - "Chaucer found his native tongue a dialect and left it a language" - By Lowes - “Chaucer is the earliest of the great moderns”: By Mathew Arnold - "If Chaucer is the father of English poetry, he is the grandfather of English novel." -By G.K. Chesterton. - “Here is God's plenty.” By Dryden - Occleve wrote a famous poem “The Regiment of Princess” on the death of Chaucer. - Chaucer and Langland died in the same year (1400). - Chaucer has been criticised for presenting about courts and cultivated classes and neglect the suffering of the poor. - Although in Canterbury Tales 120 stories were planned but only 24 were completed. - Chaucer introduced ‘*Felicity*’ in English. - Longest tale of Canterbury Tales is *Knight's Tale*. - Chaucer has been called the “Prince of Plagiarists." - "Chaucer was not in any sense a poet of the people” – by Hudson ## *Scottish Chaucerians*: - Also called "Makaris", meaning 'makers' or 'poets' - Scottish Chaucerians refer to the Scottish courtly poets who were vibrant between 1425 and 1550, and they are: - Robert Henryson - William Dunbar - Gavin Douglas - David Lyndsay - This group is also expanded to include James I of Scotland and Harry the Minstrel. ## Rhyme Royal - a 7-line decasyllabic stanza rhyming ababbcc - also called Chaucerian stanza as Chaucer was the first to use it in his *Complaint unto Pity* - The royalty associated with this stanza comes from its use by James I of Scotland (1394-1437) in *The Kingis Quair* (The King's Book", 1423), which is a significant work in the early Scottish literature and it is sometimes referred to as the first "Scottish Chaucerian" poem. ## The Works of Chaucer are customarily divided into three groups - The French, - The Italian, and - The English. ### The French Group - *The Romaunt of the Rose*, is an allegorical poem in octosyllabic couplets, based on 8 *Le Romaunt de la Rose* by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meung. - *The Book of the Duchess* or *The Death of Blanche* (1369), in octosyllabic couplets - *Complaint unto Pity*, in which Chaucer used "rhyme royal" (a 7-line decasyllabic stanza rhyming ababbeC) for the first time. - *The Complaint of Mars* and *A Complaint to his Lady* ### The Italian Group - *Troilus and Criseyde* (written in the rhyme royal) - *The Parliament of Fowls* (written in the rhyme royal) - *Anelida and Arcite* (written in the rhyme royal) - *The House of Fame* (written in octosyllabic couplets) - *The Legend of Good Women* (written in the heroic couplet), which contains nine stories of famous (ten) women: - Cleopatra, - Thisbe, - Dido, - Hypsipyle and Medea, - Lucrèce, - Ariadne, - Philomela, - Phyllis, and - Hypermnestra. This work is based on Ovid's *Heroldes* and Boccacio's *De Claris Mulieribus* and *Vitae Virorum et Feminarum Illustrium*. ### The English Group - *The Canterbury Tales* (Heroic couplet) - *The Complaint of Chaucer to His (Empty) Purse*, whose purpose is to persuade King ## The Canterbury Tales - The famous work of this period is *Canterbury Tales*, which was written after influence of Boccaccio's *The Decameron*. - *The Canterbury Tales* (contains 17000Lines) - In *The Canterbury Tales*, 32 characters make the trip to the shrine of the martyr Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. - Although 29 characters are mentioned in line 24 of the "General Prologue." The narrator joins this group (making 30). The host, Harry Bailey, makes 31. The Canon's yeoman, who joins the group later, makes 32. - *Tabard Inn* is situated in South Wark. South Wark is referred in the line 20. South Wark is a distinct of Central London, situated by the river side of Thomas. The pilgrimage month was April; the poem contains 858 lines. - The narrator gives a description of 27 Pilgrims. (Except second Nun or Nun's Priest). This remained unfinished at Chaucer's death. - In *Prologue to Canterbury Tales*, Chaucer employed the *Heroic couplet*. - There are four characters that are not criticised or satirised by Chaucer in *The Canterbury Tales* - Knight - Parson - Clerk - Plowman - Clergymen in *The Canterbury Tales* are: - Prioress (Madam Eglantine) - Parson - Friar - Monk - *Canterbury Tales* have characters from three social groups or estates Viz. Nobility, Church and Commoners. - In 1386, Chaucer was officer of customs and Justice of Peace. - During time, Chaucer began to write *The Canterbury Tales*. - Except *The Tales of Melibeus* and *Parson*, all other tales was written in poetry. The Tales are narrated by the Pilgrims who go to Canterbury in order to pay Homage to Thomas Becket, The Archibishop of Canterbury killed by Henry II. - Becket was killed in 1170. - Chaucer tell his own story in *The Tale of Melibee*. ## SUMMARY Chaucer begins the poem with the sentence, "when the sweet showers of April fall and shoot" "When that Aprille with soore soote The drought of March hath perced to the roote” - The sweet showers of April fall and shoot down through the drought of March to penetrate the root of every plant and tree. - So there is moisture from fresh flowers bloom. - The West Wind blows with sweet breath and puts new life in every field. - Chaucer calls the West wind as *Zephirus*, the God of west wind. - The young sun runs half its course in the Ram - The small birds (Fowl) Sleep all night with open eyes. - They sing happily. During that time, people love to go on pilgrimage. - The pilgrims are called *Palmers*, as they carry palm branches. - They love to go to various countries especially everyone loves to go to Canterbury to seek blessings of St. Thomas, who is holy blissful martyr. - The pilgrims go there to pay respect to Thomas Beckett, who helped them in sickness. - One day, Chaucer stayed at *Tabard Inn in SouthWark*. He was ready to go on Pilgrimage, with devoted heart. - At Night, 29 people arrived from different walks of life. He rooms and the stables (Horses) spacious. The pilgrims felt comfortable. Chaucer spoke to them about the trip, and he was admitted in their company. He promised to rise early and continue the journey. - But he narrates their condition and their full dress or array, according to their profession and social position. ## Knight - Knight exemplified the values of chivalry, truth, honor, freedom, and courtesy. - Renowned for his participation in battles across both Christendom and heathen countries. - Gained honor for his worthiness and valor in war. - Captured while at Alexandria (Alisaundre). - Held a prominent position at feasts, seated above men from all nations in Prenssia (Pruce). - Fought in Lithuania (Lettow) and Russia (Rouce), unmatched by any other Christian. - Participated in the siege of Algezil in Granada (Gernade). - Undertook expeditions to Benamarin (Belmarye), Africa, and Lyas (Lyeys), Armenia. - Engaged in battles at Attalia (Satalye). - Involved in numerous naval expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea (Great Sea). - Fought 15 battles for Christianity, particularly notable at Tramyssne, Africa. - Known for consistently defeating his enemies in combat. - Allied with the lord of Pallatia (Palatye), Turkey, against heathens in the region. ### About his Modesty - He was as modest as a Maiden. He was not guilty of Hard talk with anyone. - He was a very perfect, gentle knight. - His dress - He was not splendidly dressed. He had a fine horse. - He wore Fustian (Like Military (or) Rough cloth), stained and Dark with Smudges (He wears armour on his dress so became damaged) due to his armour. - He was just come from service. ## Squire - Young squire was the son of knight. - He was a love rand a lusty bachelor with curley locks. - According to Chaucer's guess, he was 20 years old. - He had moderate height and he had agility (Interest) and great strength he was in the carelry (Horsegil) and he had been to Flanders, Artois and Picardy. - He hoped to wine his Lady's favour. - His Dress - His garment is embroidered. It looked like a Meadow full of fresh flowers, white and Red. - He was singing (or) Fluting all the day. - He was as fresh as is the month of May. - His gown was short with long sleeves. - He could sit and ride on the horse gracefully. - He composed songs and recite them. - He fought in a tournament. - He danced, painted and wrote very well. - He loved his lady so sincerely that he did not sleep like a Nightingale. - He was courteous, humble and serviceable. He served his father at the table. ## Yeoman - The knight had a servant, Yeoman. - He wore a Green coat and Hood in a cone shape (Hat), He carried under his belt a sheef of keen Peacock's arrows. - His arrows did not fly slantingly. - In his hand he carried a mighty Bow. - His head was closely shared (Tonsure Head). - His face was brown. - He knew the art of woodcraft. - Upon his arms he had a shield and sword. - On his otherwise of shoulder, there was a fine Dagger with a decorated Hilt. - It was sharp like the point of a sphere on his breast there was a bright silver medal with the figure of St. Christopher. - He was patron saint of Field sports (Hunting) and was a guardian of foresters. - He carried a hunting horn and his belt was green. - Chaucer guesses that he was a true forester. ## Nun Prioress - Her smile was very simple and shy. - Her greatest Oath was by ‘saint Loy’. Loy was a French Bishop. - Saint Eligius refused to swear before king Dogbert and he shed tears. - The name of prioress was Madam Eglantine. - She sings divine song sweetly with a fine Nasal intonation. - She spoke French neatly, in the manner of Strafford -at-Bowe, because she did not know pairs French. - She was well trained in Table manners. - She allowed no food morsel to fall from her lips. - She did not dip her fingers too deep in the sauce. - She carried a morsel well. So that even a drop did not fall upon her breast. - She was happy in curtsey. - She wiped her upper lip so cleanly that not a trace of Grease was seen on her napkin, when she finished he drink. She ate her meat gracefully. - She as pleasant in her behvaiour. - She took pains to imitate grace. - She was compassionate and she would weep if she saw even a mouse caught in a trap, thinking it to be dead (or) bleeding. - She had a few small dogs and she fed (feed) with Roasted flesh, milk or white bread. - She wept (weep) if one of them (dogs) is dead or beaten by others with the stick. She was 'Indeed conscience and Tender heart'. - Her head dress was neatly tied (pleated). - Her nose was slender and sharp. - Her eyes was grey as glass. - Her mouth was very small, but soft and red. - Her forehead was tail forehead as broad as a spam . - She was not under grown. Her dress was elegant. - She wore a bracelet with a set of beads in Green. - On the Bracelet is hung a Golden Brooch of brightest shining, on there was a crowned 'A' and the latin phease, Amor vincit Omnia (Love conquers all). ## Monk - She had another Nun. - She was her chaplain (Secretary) - She had 3 priests - Prioress with one nun and 3 priests - He was leader in passions. - His Passions hunting and inspecting Farms. - He was a manly man (or) the head of the monastery. - He had many good horses in his stable, when he rode (ride), his bridle Jingled in the wind as loud as the chapel bell. - He ignored the old and strict rule of St.Maurus or St. Benedict, because he considered that old. Both saints are in France. - He considered the old practice as useless. - He followed the modern way. - He did not value the text even at the value of a pluked Hen, because text says that hunters are not holy men and that the Monk outside his cloister is like a fish out of water. So, he did not value the text. - Chaucer said that he agreed with his opinion. Chaucer says that a monk should need not study books or work as instructed by St. Augustine. (Austyn). - The monk had grey hounds as swift as birds. - His pleasure was in riding and hunting of the Hare. - His sleeves were decorated with fine greyful (soft cloth). To tie his hood (half under his chin, he had a golden pin with the lovers knot. - His head was bald and shone (shine) like a glass. - His face was bright as anointed (oil face). He was for priest. - His eyes rolled and they were as bright as the fire of lead Furnace. - His boots were of soft leather. - His horse was fine. - He was not pale like a tormented soul. - He liked roasted whole swan. - His horse was as brown as a Berry. ## Friar - The Friar was a wanton and happy fellow. - He was a limited and an important man. He knew much flattery, the 4 orders 1. Franciscans 2. Dominicans 3. Carmelites 4. Augustinians - He conducted the marriages of many young women at his own cost. - He was a noble pillar in his order. - He was a loved by Franklins and women. He was qualified to hear confessions. - He was special license from Pope. - He was an easy man in giving Penance. - He lived decently, because the sinners five bribes. - He is hard hearted. So, he cannot weep, though he felt pain. - Instead of weeping and praying, people should give silver to the Friar. - His hand bag was stuffed with knives and pins to be given to good women. He had a merry voice. He could sing and play on a harp. - He got praises in songs and Tales. - His neck was as white as a Lilly. - He was a strong as a champagain. - He was familiar with every Tarvern, inn - keeper and Bar maid, better than a lepper (or) a beggar women. - He had a company with sick lepers. It was not respectable. - He was humble in service. - He was a best beggar in his monastery. - Though a widow had no coin, he would get something from her. So, his income was more than his regular wages (coolie). - He behaved like a puppy. He could, help in the days of dispute (problem). - He acted like Pope. - His dress was double worsted. - He lisped artificially to make his English sweet. - In his harping, his eyes twinkled right in his head as a stars on a Frosty night. - He was called Hubert. ## Merchant - The Merchant had forked beard. - In multicoloured dress, ‘Yellow' he sat high on a horse. - He had a Flemish Bearer hat. - His boots was fairly bucked. He spoke loudly of profit. - He wished that the sea between middle Burgh and Orwell must be protected from the sea pirates. - He dealt with French crowns for profit. - No one knew that he was in great debt. - He was dignified in his management in Bargain. - In truth, Chaucer did not know his name. ## Clerk of Oxford - Clerk of Oxford was devoted to logic. - His horse clerk of oxford as lean as a Rake. - The clerk was not fat and he had a hollow look and serious. His overcoat was worn out. - Le preferred to have 20 books of Aristotle and his philosophy. They were bound black and Red. - Though he was a philosopher, he had little gold in his money box. - He got money from his friends on books and on learning. He was careful in his studies. - He sincerily prayed for the souls of his helpers. - He never spoke was short and full of deep morning. - There was morality in his speech and gladly would he learn and Gladly Teach. ## Sergeant At Law - He was wise. - He had been at Parvys, a room in St. Pauls church, meant for Lawyers. - He was richly gifted in his wife sayings. - He had been a judge in the court sessions. Because of great knowledge and high name, he earned great fees and robes (dress). - He was a busy man. He could deal in all cases. - He knew all the cases since the time king William, the conquerer. - He knew how to make up a case without fault in draft. - He knew every law by heart. - He had multi coloured coat in silk with small stripes. ## Franklin - It means Land owner - His beard was as white as a Daisy. - He was red in complexion. - For the breakfast was a cake dipped in wine. - He was like Epicurus's own son. To him, sensuous pleasure was a perfect bliss. - He was a great house holder. - He was like St. Julian. Julian was the Patron saint of Hospitality. - His bread and ale were always good. - In his house, there was better wine and baked meat. - He had great stock of fish and flesh. - According to the various seasons, he altered his food and supper. - He had many patridges (Birds). - There was many fish (Bream and Luce). - His cook must prepare sauce pungent and sharp. - His cook must keep the Utensils ready all the day. - In the law court, he was a lord and acted as a judge. - He was a knight of the shire. - His knife and silk purse hung at his girdle (Hip), He was white as morning milk. - He was a sheriff and an accountant. - He was nowhere such a worthy vavasour. ## Guild Men - Chaucer portrayed gallery contains 5 guild men. 1. Haberdasher - Tailor 2. Carpenter 3. Weaves 4. Dyer 5. Upholsterer - Sofa maker and leather worker and furniture maker - They are dressed in one impressive livery (uniform). - Their dresses are fashioned, fresh and new. - Their knives are made not with brass, but with silver. - Their pouches are neat. Everyone is fit to be an alder man (counsil member in municipality). - They have good revenue. Their wives declare that they deserve and good to be called 'Madam'. - On the eve of a festival, they go in order of priority. - They (wives) have majestic mantle. ## Cook(roger) - These guildsmen have brought a cook with them. - Cook boils the chickens with marrow bones and spice and roots of sweet Cyprus. - He (cook) knows the London ale by flavor. - He could roast, Boil and Fry. He makes good thick soup. - It is a great pity that he has an Ulcer on his chin. - He makes the compound of cake (capon) with cream, sugar and flour. ## Shipman - The shipman comes from far west and he is from Dartmouth. - He rides on a primer's horse. - He wears a Gown of Coarse stuff, hanging down to the knee. - He has a dagger hanging from his neck, under his arm. - The hot summer made his colour brown. He is a good fellow. - From Bordeaux, he drawn wine repeatedly. He drank wine from the cask, while the merchant slept. - He is not bothered about a conscience. If he fought won, he drowned all the prisoners. He has the skill in calculating tides, currents, approaching danger, the harbor and the position of the moon. - There was no one to equal him from Hull to carthage. - His beard was Shaken by many tempests. - He knew all the sea ports from Gottland to the cape of Finistere. - He knew every rock (or) creek in Britain and Spain. - His ship is called the Maudelayne. ## Doctor of Medicine - The Doctor of Medicine says no equal in the world in Medicine and Surgery because he is specialized in astronomy. - He studies the patients well for the hours. - By his natural magic, he prescribes medicine according to the ascending stars. - He knows the cause of every sickness, when it originates from the humour (Mood). - He is a good doctor. All his apothecaries (chemist) are ready with drugs. - They make money from the Guile (cheating). - He knows the old phycians. 1. Aesculapius - Greek God of Medicine 2. Dioscordies, Rufus, Hippocrates, Hali, Galen, Serapion (Egyptian), Razis, Aricenna, Averrois Damascene, Constantine, Bernard Chaucer's contemporary doctor. John of Gatesden, Guilbertus (or) Gilbertaine. - He is moderate in eating. His diet is nutritious and easy to digest. - He little studied Bible. - He is dressed in Blood Red and dark blue with silk lining. - He saved all money that he made in the Pestilence (plague). - As gold is good for heart, so he it is a special love of gold. ## Wife of Bath - Fashionable city in London - There was a good woman from near bath city. - It was pity that she was deaf. Her practice of cloth making surpassed the cloth makers of Ypres and Gaunt. - In the parish, no women would surpass her in making an offering at mass. - If anyone did, she was angry that she forgot all her Christian Love (or) charity. - Her Kerchiefs were nicely embroidered that they weighed 10 pounds especially that she wears on her head on Sundays. - Her hose is of the finest scarlet colour. - Her face is bold and fair and red in colour. - She is a worthy woman all her live. - At the Church door, she had 5 husbands, apart from other many companions in her youth. At present there is no need to mention them. - She had been thrice to Jerusalem. - She had crossed many strange rivers. - She had been to Rome, Boulogue, St. James of Galicia in spain and cologue (spain). - By travelling she learnt much. - She had Gap toothed widely. - She sat on a trained horse easily. - Her hat is as broad as a shield or Buckler. - Her flowing mantle covered her large hips. - In company she liked to laugh and chat. - She knew love charms (Mediuues) because she played the Game of love since long. ## Parson (Man of Religion) - There was a good man of religion. - He was a poor parson of a town. But he was rich in holy thought and work. - He was a learned man and a clerk (scholar) who preached christ's gospel. - He would sincerily teach. - He was king. - He was patience in adversity (Sorrows). - He disliked the evil method of charging lithes and fees. - He would give the poor people from his goods and Easter offerings. He had little. - His parish was wide, but he never neglected the people in Rain or thunder or sickness or Grief. - He went on Foot with the staff in hand. - He said such a noble example to people that he was the first to act and then to teach. he got the idea out of the Gospel. - He would add the little proverb he ‘If Gold gets rusted what will. The iron do? - If the priest does evil, the common man will also be infected. It is a shame to with the bad shepherd and a clean Flock. - A priest should said an example by his clean life. - He did not sell his blessing or run to St. Pauls Cathedral in London to earn easy bread by singing Masses for the souls of wealthy dead men or to get enrolled as a brother. - But he stayed at home and watched his parishners (Church people). So that no wolf would carry his sheep (people) - He was a true shepherd. - He scolded the sinful men. - He was wise in teaching. - His task was to show the path to heaven. If anyman was stubborn, he would scold him. - There was never a better priest anywhere. - He taught the doctrine anywhere. - He taught the doctrine of Christ and 12 apostles. But he first followed it himself. ## Plowman (Farmer) - The parson's brother was a Plowman. - He had carried many carts of cow dung. - He was a good worker. - He loved God in adversity or prosperity. - He loved his neighbor as himself. - He would dig the ditches for every poor man without payment for Christ sake. - He paid his Tithes (Tax) fully. - He is paid dressed in Frock. - He rode on a mare (Female Horse) ## Miller - The Miller was a bulky fellow. - He was stout in muscles and bones. - Wherever, he went, he carried the Ram, the price at a wrestling match. - He was shot shoulded and broad chested. - He broke the doors with his head. - His beard was the hair a sow (or) a fox and it was broad as a spade. - He had a wart on the tip of his nose. - Wart was covered by red hair like the bristles in an old sow's ear. - His nostrils were black and wide. - He carried a sword and small round shield. - His mouth was a wide as a great Furnace (Forneys). - He was a fighter and Buffoon. - He talked on sin and lust (Harlotry). - He stole corn and paid fine thrice. - He had a thumb of Gold. - He wore a white coat and blue hood. - He could play on a bag Pipe. ## Manciple - Trador - There was good natured Manciple of the Inner temple. - His buyers learnt the art of buying from him. - Either in cash or credit, he was watchful in Bargain. - He had more than 30 masters, will versed in Law, of whom a dozen men work in Inner Temple (place nome). - He lived frugiky. - He was helped by the Lawyers in legal cases. - He could fool everyone. ## Reeve (Farm Bailiff) - The Reeve was the farm bailiff. - He was a slendaeer (lean) and irritable man. - His beard was closely shaven. - His hair was closely closely cropped and cut shot round his ears. - In front, he looked like a priest. - His legs were long and lean like a staff (stick), and he had no calf. - No accountant could beat him. - He had a good count of harvest yield, sheep, cattle, Dairy, swine, horses and poultry. - He worked with his lord since 20 years. No one could catch him in arrears. - The farm servants were afraid of him like a death. - His house stood, on heath and it was good to shaded with green trees. - He purchased better than his lord. - He could please his Lord cleverly. So he could give his goods. He was a good work man. - He was a carpenter. - His good horse was could scot. - This farm bailiff came from Norfolk, near a town Baldeswell. - His gown was tucked under his belt like a Friae. ## Summoner - Summoner had a firing red face like cherub, as it was covered with red pimples. - His eyes were narrow. - He was hot a wanton as a sparrow. - He had black brows and thin beard. Children were afraid to look at his face. - No medicine, Mercury, Lead, Ointment, Tartar, Borex could cure the pimples on his cheeks. - He loved Garlic, Onions and Leeks. - He loved strong red wine, red as blood. - He spoke and shouted like mad man Intoxication, he spoke only Latin. - He knew only 2 or 3 Latin terms. No one could test his knowledge. - He would say, First Question what it is the Law? (Questio Quid Juris). - He was a gentle fellow. - For a Quarte wine, he would lend his mistress to a friend for 12 months. - If he found a man with woman, he would teach him not to be afraid of the curse of the Arch Deacon. - He would collect money as fine from his purse. - He was a liar. - He threatened young people by knowing their private wishes. - He wore a garland on his head as large as bush. ## Pardoner - There was a gentle Pardoner of Rouncivale who was his friend. - He came straightly from the court of Rome. - He sang 'Come hither, love to me! He repeated the refrain. - His voice was louder than the trumpets. - His hair was yellow as wax. - It hung in small portion. - His shoulders were spread with hair. - He rode stylishly. - He had starring eyes like a hare. - On his cap there was the image of St. Veronica. - In his Wallet (purse), there were pardons from Rome. - He had the goat like small voice. - He had no beard. - His cheeks were smooth. - He was known from Berwick to Ware. - In his bag he had a pillow case with virgin Mary's veil. - He had a fragment of the sail of the ship where St. Peter met Jesus Christ. - He had a copper and Zinc cross. - He would earn more money than a parson would earn in 2 months by showing them. - He was a flatterer but he was a noble priest. - He could read a passage or tell a story. - He could polish his tongue to win silver. - Therefore he sang merrily and loudly. ## Conclusion: - Chaucer described the pilgrims by the Rank, the dress, the no and the reason. - The Tabard inn was situated near the inn The bell. He requests the reader not to criticize him. He described the pilgrims very closely. He quotes Christ and plate. Plate said, 'the words should be as cousin to the deed'. He was also a happy man in hospitality his name was Harry Bailey. He requested each pilgrims to tell 2 tales towards Canterbury and 2 tales on the return journey He would be their guide riding with them. His suggestion was accepted gladly. - In the morning the Host awakened them like a cock and they rode to the watering place of St. Thomas. Harry Bailey asked them to draw the lot. Knight drew the dots. The lot fell