What happens in the general prologue of the Canterbury Tales is a captivating and intricate introduction to the collection of stories that follows. Chaucer opens his masterpiece with a vivid portrayal of the diverse group of pilgrims who converge on the fictional town of Canterbury. The prologue sets the stage for the tales that unfold, providing a rich tapestry of characters, humor, and moral commentary.
The general prologue begins with Chaucer himself introducing the setting and the purpose of the pilgrimage. He describes the bustling town of Canterbury, where the pilgrims are preparing to embark on their journey to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. The prologue then transitions to a vivid description of the pilgrims themselves, each introduced with a unique character sketch that reveals their social status, occupation, and personality.
Among the pilgrims are a knight, a prioress, a monk, a friar, a merchant, a clerk, a miller, a wife of a bath, a man of law, a doctor of the law, a parson, a reeve, a plowman, a cook, a shipman, a wife of a bishop, a prioress, a monk, a friar, a dwarf, a miller’s wife, a reeve’s wife, a parson’s wife, a weaver, a carpenter, a Taylour, a plowman, a swanne, a cook, a schere, a water-kenner, a singer, a tale of the cook, a tale of the schere, a tale of the water-kenner, a tale of the singer, a tale of the weaver, a tale of the carpenter, a tale of the Taylour, a tale of the plowman, a tale of the swanne, a tale of the parson’s wife, a tale of the reeve’s wife, a tale of the prioress, a tale of the monk, a tale of the friar, a tale of the dwarf, a tale of the miller’s wife, a tale of the man of law, a tale of the doctor of the law, a tale of the clerk, a tale of the merchant, a tale of the wife of a bath, a tale of the knight, and a tale of the prioress.
Each pilgrim is characterized by their own quirks and flaws, creating a dynamic and engaging ensemble. Chaucer uses humor and satire to highlight the absurdities and vices of these characters, while also offering a glimpse into the social and religious norms of the time. The prologue also touches upon the themes that will be explored throughout the tales, such as the pursuit of wealth, the importance of humility, and the consequences of sin.
One of the most notable aspects of the general prologue is the framing device Chaucer employs. The pilgrims agree to entertain each other with stories during their journey, and each character is given the opportunity to tell a tale. This structure allows Chaucer to explore a wide range of subjects and genres, from romance to satire, from comedy to tragedy.
In conclusion, what happens in the general prologue of the Canterbury Tales is a compelling introduction to the collection of stories that follows. Chaucer’s vivid portrayal of the pilgrims, his use of humor and satire, and his exploration of moral themes all contribute to the enduring appeal of this classic work of literature. The general prologue sets the stage for the tales that will unfold, inviting readers to join the pilgrims on their journey through the complexities of human nature.
