Summary of the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

Summary of the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

The General Prologue serves as the introduction to The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer sets the stage by describing a group of pilgrims gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, on their way to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The prologue provides a vivid portrait of 14th-century English society, highlighting its diversity, complexity, and contradictions.

Setting the Scene

The story begins in April when spring’s renewal inspires people to undertake pilgrimages. Chaucer, both as a character and narrator, finds himself at the inn with 29 other pilgrims. These travellers represent a cross-section of medieval society, ranging from the nobility to the lower classes.

Summary of the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

The Host’s Proposal

The inn's host, Harry Bailey, suggests a storytelling contest to make the journey more enjoyable. Each pilgrim will tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two on the return, with the best storyteller receiving a free meal at the host's expense. The group enthusiastically agrees, and the prologue transitions to detailed character sketches of each pilgrim.

Character Sketches

Chaucer provides vibrant and detailed descriptions of each pilgrim, reflecting their professions, social status, and personalities. Here are some key figures:

The Knight

Noble, chivalrous, and the epitome of a perfect medieval Christian warrior.

The Squire 

The Knight’s son, youthful, artistic, and passionate about love.

The Prioress 

 A nun who is delicate, dainty, and overly concerned with appearances.

The Monk

A man who loves hunting and fine living, defying traditional monastic values.

The Friar 

A corrupt clergyman who exploits his religious position for personal gain.

The Merchant 

A shrewd businessman, hiding his financial troubles behind a facade of wealth.

The Clerk

A poor scholar, devoted to learning and virtue.

The Wife of Bath

A bold, worldly woman with extensive marital experience and feminist undertones.

The Parson

A genuinely virtuous and humble priest who practices what he preaches.

The Plowman 

A hardworking, honest farmer, and the Parson’s brother.

The Miller 

A brawny, coarse man who enjoys bawdy humour.

The Pardoner 

A dubious character who sells fake religious relics for profit.
In total, Chaucer introduces a diverse array of pilgrims, each representing a specific social class or occupation.

Summary of the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

Themes and Social Commentary

The prologue goes beyond mere introductions. It reflects Chaucer’s keen observation of human nature, blending satire and humour to expose societal flaws. Themes of corruption in the Church, the complexities of class, and human hypocrisy are woven throughout the narrative.

Tone and Style

Chaucer employs a light-hearted yet critical tone, mixing idealized portrayals with irony. His use of Middle English and poetic meter (iambic pentameter) gives the text a rhythmic and engaging flow.

Conclusion

The General Prologue sets the stage for the tales to come, introducing readers to an eclectic group of characters whose stories mirror the breadth of human experience. Through these pilgrims, Chaucer paints a lively, multifaceted portrait of 14th-century England, making The Canterbury Tales a timeless masterpiece.