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The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales key Info
Key Facts
Poet: Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1340 - 1400) Titles of the Poet: Father of English Literature, Father of English Poetry, Father of English Language, Grandfather of the English Novel, “The first great realist in English literature” & “The morning star of the Renaissance.”. Written Time: Around 1387–1400 (late 14th century, during the Middle Ages) First Published: Posthumously (after Chauc...
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The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Themes
Picture of Society: The General Prologue is a complete picture of medieval English society. Here we see all classes of people: rich and poor, clergy and soldiers, merchants and workers. Chaucer shows who is good, who is bad, and who is a hypocrite. Some are hardworking, some are lazy. Some are pious, some are corrupt. Through this pilgrimage, Chaucer presents the real life of society, their natur...
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The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Characters
❏ The Knight (A Knyght):
Chivalry: The Knight is a true example of chivalry. He is brave, honorable, and loyal. He fights for truth and justice and shows courtesy to all. Battle Experience: He fought in 15 important battles in both Christian and non-Christian lands. He fought in 15 important battles in both Christian and non-Christian lands. He fought in Prussia and Lithuania (referred to as Pru...
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The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Key Facts
Writer: Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 - 1400) Title of the Poet: Father of English Literature, Father of English Poetry, Father of English Language, Grandfather of the English Novel Written Date: Between 1387 and 1400 Published Date: 1476 Original Title: “The Canterbury Tales” (“The General Prologue” is part of it.) Genre: Frame story, satire, estates satire (A medieval genre common among French poets.)...
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The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue Summary
In the opening of "The General Prologue," Chaucer describes the season of April. It brings new life and inspires people to go on pilgrimages. The characters meet at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. They are preparing for their journey to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Chaucer is the narrator and introduces all the pilgrims from various social classes with distinct characteristi...
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The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales Quotes
Quotes
“A Knyght ther was, and that a worthy man,
That fro the tyme that he first bigan
To riden out, he loved chivalrie.”
Modern English: (A Knyght there was, and that (one was) a worthy man, / Who from the time that he first began / To ride out, he loved chivalry.)
Explanation: The Knight is a man of courage, honor, and devotion. He is a soldier of the Crusades who has lived up to the ideals...
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"The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" Summary
Summary
When the sweet showers of April fall, nature regains new life. The drought of March passes away, and the western wind (Zephirus) breathes softly, awakening the trees and flowers. The sun has moved halfway through the sign of Aries, the little birds sing joyfully, and the whole of nature is filled with the music of life. At this time, a new excitement stirs in human hearts; they feel the de...
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Notes
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