An analysis of the use of some of the characters in the canterbury tales

Recording in reconstructed Middle English pronunciation Problems playing this file? Chaucer wrote in late Middle English, which has clear differences from Modern English.

The character of The Host in The Canterbury Tales from LitCharts | The creators of SparkNotes

He promises to keep everyone happy, be their guide and arbiter in disputes, and judge the tales. The Knight Socially the most prominent person on the pilgrimage, epitomizing chivalry, truth, and honor.

He stands apart from the other pilgrims because of his dignity and status. The Miller A drunken, brash, and vulgar man who rudely interrupts the Host, demands that his tale be next, and warns everyone that his tale about a carpenter will be vulgar because it is true.

The Reeve A very old and irritable man who was once a carpenter. He resents the Miller's tale about a stupid old carpenter. He is cautious, suspicious, and wise, and one of the more cultivated men among the pilgrims. Roger, the Cook Known for his cooking and characterized by a chancre sore that runs with pus.

His story is incomplete. The Wife of Bath Alisoun Characterized as gat-toothed, somewhat deaf, and wearing bright scarlet red stockings. She has had five husbands the last half her ageenjoys her freedom, and is openly sensual.

SparkNotes: The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue: Introduction

Hubert, the Friar A sensual, licentious man who seduces young girls and then arranges their marriages.

He loves money and knows the taverns better than the poor houses. The Summoner An officer of the church who calls people for a church trial. He is as ugly as his profession; he frightens children with his red complexion, pimples and boils, and skin infected with scales.

The Clerk A sincere, devout student at Oxford University who loves learning and is respected by all the pilgrims. He is very poor because he spends all his money on books.

The Merchant A shrewd and intelligent man who knows how to strike a good bargain and is a member of the rich rising middle class. The Squire A vain, lusty young man and a candidate for knighthood. He can sing, write poetry, and ride a horse very well, and considers himself a lady's man.

The Franklin A large and wealthy landowner who enjoys fine living and good companionship. The Shipman A huge, uncouth man who can steer a ship but flounders on his horse. The Prioress Madame Eglantine A very genteel lady who is coy and delicate.The Host Character Timeline in The Canterbury Tales The timeline below shows where the character The Host appears in The Canterbury Tales.

The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. The Parson in The Canterbury Tales: Description & Character Analysis How is the Pardoner Different From the Parson in The Canterbury Tales? Go to The Canterbury Tales Primary Characters.

Literary Devices in The Canterbury Tales Estates Satire: An estates satire is a genre of writing that was popular in the 14th century. Medieval society consisted of three “estates” (the Clergy, the Nobility, and the Peasantry) that were believed to have been established by God.

The Host is the major mover and shaker of the frame story of The Canterbury Tales, since it's he who proposes the tale-telling game and directs it on the way to Canterbury.

Study Guide for The Canterbury Tales. The Canterbury Tales is the last of Geoffrey Chaucer's works, and he only finished 24 of an initially planned tales. The Canterbury Tales study guide contains a biography of Geoffrey Chaucer, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Oct 18,  · Although Chaucer wrote Canterbury Tales as an estates satire, the majority of the characters actually belong to the emerging middle class. During Chaucer's time, the middle class was an emerging phenomenon, and many people did not know how to make sense of this new, and decidedly anti-feudal social regardbouddhiste.coms: 3.