The Canterbury Tales Prologue

A Quick Overview of the Prologue

The Canterbury Tales Prologue is one of the most famous works of literature of all time. It is a collection of stories written by the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. The tales told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury, England. These tales range from bawdy humor to serious moralizing and are written in the Middle English of Chaucer’s time.

Themes of the Prologue

The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales includes a wide range of themes. It introduces us to a variety of characters and their stories, many of which contain morals or lessons about life. There is a great deal of satire and irony throughout the Prologue, as well as a focus on the hypocrisies of the Church and society.

The Characters of the Prologue

The Prologue introduces us to a wide range of characters, each with their own stories. The characters include the narrator, a knight, a monk, a nun, a miller, a merchant, a clerk, a man of law, a franklin, a doctor, a pardoner, a summoner, and a parson. Each character has their own unique traits and stories, making them all the more interesting.

The Structure of the Prologue

The Prologue is organized into three sections. The first section is a general description of the group of pilgrims and their journey to Canterbury. The second section is an introduction to each of the characters and their stories. The third section is a conclusion that brings the stories together.

The Significance of the Prologue

The Prologue is significant for a number of reasons. It is a unique work of literature that has had a lasting influence on English literature. It is also an example of Middle English, which is a significant part of the history of the English language. Finally, it is an important work that raised important questions and ideas about morality, religion, and society.

Conclusion

The Canterbury Tales Prologue is an important work of literature that has had a lasting influence on English literature. It is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury, England. It introduces us to a variety of characters and their stories, many of which contain morals or lessons about life. The Prologue is an example of Middle English and is an important work that raised important questions and ideas about morality, religion, and society.