y Tales". [2019, 2016]
Courtly characters are those people who belong to the upper or noble class of society. They are connected with the royal court, chivalry, or high social manners. In “The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales,” Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400) gives a full picture of fourteenth-century English society. Among his thirty pilgrims, some belong to the courtly class. They show nobility, honour, and gentle manners.
The Knight: The Knight is the most respected pilgrim. He has fought fifteen battles in foreign lands. He fights for faith and honour. Chaucer says,
“At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene.”
(He had been at fifteen mortal battles.)
He fought in Alexandria, Prussia, and Grenada. He is brave but also humble. He is modest in dress and speech. He wears a simple fustian coat, stained from war. He goes on pilgrimage to thank God. He represents true knighthood and perfect gentleness.
The Squire: The Squire is the Knight’s son. He is young, handsome, and full of love. He is twenty years old. He sings, dances, writes songs, and paints. Chaucer says about him,
“He was as fressh as is the month of May.”
(He was as fresh as is the month of May.)
He has curly hair and wears colourful clothes with flowers. He fights bravely in Flanders and Picardy. But he loves romance more than war. He is polite, cheerful, and serves his father humbly. He represents the beauty, youth, and joy of the noble class.
The Yeoman: The Yeoman travels with the Knight and Squire. He wears a green coat and a hood. He carries a bow, sword, and dagger. He is brown-faced and strong. He knows the art of woodcraft and hunting. He wears a silver St. Christopher medal on his chest. He is a symbol of duty and faithfulness. He serves his master with care and skill. He is a faithful courtly servant.
The Prioress: The Prioress (Madame Eglentyne) is a gentle nun. She behaves like a fine lady of the royal court. She speaks soft French, sings sweetly, and eats with grace. She never let a piece of food fall from her lips on her breast. Chaucer says,
“She leet no morsel from hir lippes falle.”
(She let no morsel fall from her lips.)
She weeps at the death of a mouse. She loves her little dogs more than poor people. She wears a brooch engraved with “Amor Vincit Omnia” (Love conquers all). She is kind and tender but not very spiritual. She represents the outer charm and vanity of noble women.
The Monk: The Monk belongs to the upper class of the Church. But he ignores holy rules. He enjoys hunting and rich food. Chaucer says,
“An outridere, that lovede venerie.”
“An outrider (a monk with business outside the monastery), who loved hunting.”
He owns fine horses and wears fur-lined sleeves. He also wears a golden pin shaped like a love-knot. He is fat, handsome, and proud. He represents luxury and pleasure among churchmen who live like nobles.
The Franklin: The Franklin is not noble by birth, but he lives like one. He loves food, wine, and happiness. His house is always full of meat, drink, and guests. He is cheerful, generous, and kind. He is called “Saint Julian” for his hospitality. He represents the rich landowner of the upper class who enjoys comfort and shares with others.
The courtly characters show the manners and morals of the noble class in Chaucer’s age. They are brave, generous, polite, and sometimes proud. Chaucer presents them with truth and humour. Through them, he shows that real nobility lies in goodness, not just birth. They bring beauty, variety, and dignity to “The General Prologue.” Chaucer’s art makes them live forever as the finest models of medieval courtly life.
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