General Prologue

Definition

The General Prologue is the introductory section of Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' where he sets the stage for the stories that follow. It presents a diverse cast of characters who are embarking on a pilgrimage to Canterbury, each representing different social classes and professions, which allows for a rich tapestry of medieval life to be explored throughout the tales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The General Prologue introduces 29 pilgrims who each represent a different aspect of medieval society, from nobility to common folk.
2. Chaucer uses vivid descriptions and character sketches in the General Prologue to set up contrasts between social classes and moral values.
3. Each character's tale reflects their personality and social status, providing insight into their worldview and motivations.
4. The prologue establishes a storytelling contest among the pilgrims, where each agrees to tell tales to entertain each other on their journey.
5. Chaucer's use of iambic pentameter in the General Prologue helps to create a rhythmic quality that engages readers and sets the tone for the ensuing tales.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's depiction of characters in the General Prologue reflect the social hierarchy of medieval society?
  • Chaucer presents a diverse group of 29 pilgrims in the General Prologue, illustrating various social classes and professions such as knights, clergy, and merchants. Through detailed character sketches, he highlights their attributes, values, and behaviors, showcasing both the virtues and vices of each class. This portrayal allows readers to gain insight into the complexities of medieval society, emphasizing how each character's background influences their tale and moral perspective.
• What role does the storytelling contest established in the General Prologue play in the overall structure of 'The Canterbury Tales'?
  • The storytelling contest introduced in the General Prologue serves as a pivotal framework for 'The Canterbury Tales,' providing a reason for the characters to share their stories during the pilgrimage. This contest not only promotes interaction among the pilgrims but also establishes a sense of competition and entertainment. As each pilgrim tells their tale, it reflects their personality and social standing, thus enriching the reader’s understanding of both individual characters and broader societal themes.
• Evaluate how Chaucer's use of descriptive language in the General Prologue enhances themes present in 'The Canterbury Tales.'
  • Chaucer's vivid descriptions in the General Prologue are key to understanding both individual characters and overarching themes such as class disparity, morality, and human behavior. By painting rich portraits that reflect each pilgrim’s traits and social status, Chaucer effectively critiques societal norms while also celebrating diversity. This detailed characterization allows readers to engage with the themes on multiple levels, as they witness how these traits influence not just the tales themselves but also reveal deeper truths about human nature within a medieval context.

Related terms

Chaucer:

Geoffrey Chaucer is the author of 'The Canterbury Tales' and is often regarded as the father of English literature due to his contributions in using the English vernacular.

Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion, which serves as the framework for the narrative in 'The Canterbury Tales.'

Frame Narrative: A frame narrative is a story within a story, which is employed in 'The Canterbury Tales' to link the various individual tales told by the characters during their journey.