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General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
A collection of ten critical essays on the Prologue to Chaucer's well-known work, arranged in chronological order of their original publication.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1400
24 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Geoffrey Chaucer
1,198 books1,340 followersGeoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 – 25 October 1400) was an English poet, author, and civil servant best known for The Canterbury Tales. He has been called the "father of English literature", or, alternatively, the "father of English poetry". He was the first writer to be buried in what has since come to be called Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey. Chaucer also gained fame as a philosopher and astronomer, composing the scientific A Treatise on the Astrolabe for his 10-year-old son, Lewis. He maintained a career in the civil service as a bureaucrat, courtier, diplomat, and member of parliament.
Among Chaucer's many other works are The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, and Troilus and Criseyde. He is seen as crucial in legitimising the literary use of Middle English when the dominant literary languages in England were still Anglo-Norman French and Latin. Chaucer's contemporary Thomas Hoccleve hailed him as "the firste fyndere of our fair langage" (i.e., the first one capable of finding poetic matter in English). Almost two thousand English words are first attested to in Chaucerian manuscripts. As scholar Bruce Holsinger has argued, charting Chaucer's life and work comes with many challenges related to the "difficult disjunction between the written record of his public and private life and the literary corpus he left behind". His recorded works and his life show many personas that are "ironic, mysterious, elusive [or] cagey" in nature, ever-changing with new discoveries.
Among Chaucer's many other works are The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, and Troilus and Criseyde. He is seen as crucial in legitimising the literary use of Middle English when the dominant literary languages in England were still Anglo-Norman French and Latin. Chaucer's contemporary Thomas Hoccleve hailed him as "the firste fyndere of our fair langage" (i.e., the first one capable of finding poetic matter in English). Almost two thousand English words are first attested to in Chaucerian manuscripts. As scholar Bruce Holsinger has argued, charting Chaucer's life and work comes with many challenges related to the "difficult disjunction between the written record of his public and private life and the literary corpus he left behind". His recorded works and his life show many personas that are "ironic, mysterious, elusive [or] cagey" in nature, ever-changing with new discoveries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 21, 2021
yes I am going to log all of these separately so it looks like I've read more sorry Geoffrey
November 24, 2023
Ale ekipę żeście zmontowali…
January 24, 2024
i love gossiping in middle english
July 10, 2021
And here begynneth my Chaucerian journey, or whatever.
Some reading notes, so I don't forget everything come start of term:
- Jill Mann's idea that the prologue is an estates satire, and that the characters are less individuals and more types (yet James Winny finds them outpourings of creative energy?).
- Marion Turner: opening of prologue depicts life as cycle, things will come as they do (cf. the 'Whan [...] Whan [...] then' structure; especial prominence as writing in the wake of the Black Death?
- Clothing: read Laura F. Hodges' scholarship, but also cf. Turner on how clothing became a hollow symbol of class and social status after the Black Death?
- The vibrantly diverse cast of characters here very much influenced by Chaucer's cosmopolitan existence; again see Turner for details.
- Role of the Host and the Chaucer-figure, relationship to the section's metapoeticity? Host very assertive, rational, able to group the pilgrims together--rational power and frame, according to Winny?
Some reading notes, so I don't forget everything come start of term:
- Jill Mann's idea that the prologue is an estates satire, and that the characters are less individuals and more types (yet James Winny finds them outpourings of creative energy?).
- Marion Turner: opening of prologue depicts life as cycle, things will come as they do (cf. the 'Whan [...] Whan [...] then' structure; especial prominence as writing in the wake of the Black Death?
- Clothing: read Laura F. Hodges' scholarship, but also cf. Turner on how clothing became a hollow symbol of class and social status after the Black Death?
- The vibrantly diverse cast of characters here very much influenced by Chaucer's cosmopolitan existence; again see Turner for details.
- Role of the Host and the Chaucer-figure, relationship to the section's metapoeticity? Host very assertive, rational, able to group the pilgrims together--rational power and frame, according to Winny?
March 31, 2018
** Note: I'm reading each Tale piecemeal to ensure I complete the entire massive work.
What a synopsis! Masterful word weaving and multi-dimensional characters. I can't wait to read the rest of the Tales.
I recommend first listening to Dr. Masullo's video on Middle English etymology: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLKAD...)
I then listened to Prof. Andrew Keating's lovely rendering of Nevill Coghill's translation:(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3YP2...)
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What a synopsis! Masterful word weaving and multi-dimensional characters. I can't wait to read the rest of the Tales.
I recommend first listening to Dr. Masullo's video on Middle English etymology: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLKAD...)
I then listened to Prof. Andrew Keating's lovely rendering of Nevill Coghill's translation:(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3YP2...)
.
February 25, 2016
Archaic English was sooo annoying !!!
January 24, 2024
Waittttt Chaucer kind of slays, he is in everyone’s (pretend) business and I’m here for it
January 31, 2020
https://opencanterburytales.dsl.lsu.edu/
Should one want context.
Below the line is me nagging about my own situation. It’s part of my experience with this book, but hardly relevant to anyone else. So just keeping it out of the TLDR zone.
The prologue is very promising. Much easier to read than feared. I’m dragging myself out of a demotivated state, one tale at the time.
Verdict: Yes! Yeah! I can read this. In modern English translation, it’ll be a challenge, but (Jesse Pinkman voice) YEAH B***H, I think I can do this.
*****************************************************
I have been so afraid to start this book. I always want to read «everything». By that I mean the good books, the important books, the classics and the less known pearls... not every silly book in existence, but still a kind of everything. The good everything.
But, the flesh is oh-so-weak, and I guess the spirit is struggling too. If a book is too difficult (or boring), I tend to give up. But that always feels a bit like losing. And I didn’t want to lose out on this.
Well, I’m lost anyway: Almost everything bores me, and I don’t know why. I have no patience. Don’t wanna, don’t wanna, don’t wanna. It’s not how I’m used to think about myself, which again feeds into the fear of this book: What if that too is too demanding?
So why not give it a try. Things can hardly get any worse. (Or, things can. But my lack of motivation can not.)
A major pro is that it consists of many short stories. Yeah, I’ll try. Why not.
Should one want context.
Below the line is me nagging about my own situation. It’s part of my experience with this book, but hardly relevant to anyone else. So just keeping it out of the TLDR zone.
The prologue is very promising. Much easier to read than feared. I’m dragging myself out of a demotivated state, one tale at the time.
Verdict: Yes! Yeah! I can read this. In modern English translation, it’ll be a challenge, but (Jesse Pinkman voice) YEAH B***H, I think I can do this.
*****************************************************
I have been so afraid to start this book. I always want to read «everything». By that I mean the good books, the important books, the classics and the less known pearls... not every silly book in existence, but still a kind of everything. The good everything.
But, the flesh is oh-so-weak, and I guess the spirit is struggling too. If a book is too difficult (or boring), I tend to give up. But that always feels a bit like losing. And I didn’t want to lose out on this.
Well, I’m lost anyway: Almost everything bores me, and I don’t know why. I have no patience. Don’t wanna, don’t wanna, don’t wanna. It’s not how I’m used to think about myself, which again feeds into the fear of this book: What if that too is too demanding?
So why not give it a try. Things can hardly get any worse. (Or, things can. But my lack of motivation can not.)
A major pro is that it consists of many short stories. Yeah, I’ll try. Why not.
November 6, 2022
Quite long, yet also a very nice introduction into pilgrims' stories. It gives off an idea that each one is going to do everything in their power, no matter how devious it may be, to get the free dinner. I might actually read the stories one day (without them having anything do with my uni work).
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August 5, 2023more barf
September 30, 2024
It begins.
June 5, 2025
Annotating and getting through this for an exam standpoint was a pain but when I was not overwhelmed, I found myself enjoying it mildly.
February 18, 2022
As the title designates, the poem is a prologue or preamble to Chaucer's collection of Canterbury Tales.
In it the poet sets forth the juncture of these tales, name if the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas-a-Becket in Canterbury. It describes in the author's characteristic humour and acute insight the band of twenty-nine pilgrims besides the poet, drawn from all classes of society, moving jauntily on the way to Canterbury in the month of April, with its 'shoures soota', that pierced to the 'root' the draught of March.
The company of people includes all classes of English society from the Oxford scholar to the drunken miller. The jovial host of the inn suggests that to enliven the journey, each of the company shall tell four tales, two going and two coming. The best teller of stories would be given a fine supper at the general expense on their return.
The prologue is a sort of picture gallery. Chaucer creates a host of vital and individualised characters. He is the first English writer to bring the atmosphere of romantic interest about the men and women and the daily works of one's own world - which is the aim of all modern literatures.
Beowulf and Ronald are ideal heroes, fundamentally creatures of the imagination; but the merry host of the inn, the fat monk, the Parish priest, the kindly ploughman - all are recognisable characters true to life. In the Prologue, all people from all walks of English life are described with a quiet kindly humour which seeks on impulse the best in human nature.
Chaucer's swift astounding strokes characterize the pilgrims at once as types and individuals.
The greatness of the Prologue may be said to reside in the vividness of its individual portraiture. In it, the essential humanity is emphasised - each is measured by absolute standard of manners. Langland with his allegory of heaven and hell gains much in grandeur and impressiveness, but Chaucer with his individualised types, gains considerably in reality and in human sympathy. This realism of painting human life is the abiding gift of Chaucer to literature.
The dramatic method adopted by Chaucer in the representation of characters anticipated the character-portrayals in the drama and the novel that developed in the subsequent ages.
The wife of Bath is typical of certain primary instincts of women, but she is given local habitation. There is a merchant who represents his class in his greed but he is dressed in a neat and gaudy dress. Chaucer's humour is gentle and ironical.
The vivacious wife of Bath had fixed her mind on a sixth husband after the fifth had died. The prioress is more interested in cultivating courtly manners than holiness of life. She is a woman of exaggerated sensibility. She would weep if she sees a mouse caught in a trap. The Knight enumarates in an exaggerated manner the distant places he had visited in the course of his holy campaigns.
The two-facedness of religious men and women (Monk, Summoner, Pardoner) is glanced at with tolerant humour.
In rich comedy, variety of humour and descriptive powers and study of characters, the Canterbury Tales is a unique achievement and has great historical importance.
In it the poet sets forth the juncture of these tales, name if the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas-a-Becket in Canterbury. It describes in the author's characteristic humour and acute insight the band of twenty-nine pilgrims besides the poet, drawn from all classes of society, moving jauntily on the way to Canterbury in the month of April, with its 'shoures soota', that pierced to the 'root' the draught of March.
The company of people includes all classes of English society from the Oxford scholar to the drunken miller. The jovial host of the inn suggests that to enliven the journey, each of the company shall tell four tales, two going and two coming. The best teller of stories would be given a fine supper at the general expense on their return.
The prologue is a sort of picture gallery. Chaucer creates a host of vital and individualised characters. He is the first English writer to bring the atmosphere of romantic interest about the men and women and the daily works of one's own world - which is the aim of all modern literatures.
Beowulf and Ronald are ideal heroes, fundamentally creatures of the imagination; but the merry host of the inn, the fat monk, the Parish priest, the kindly ploughman - all are recognisable characters true to life. In the Prologue, all people from all walks of English life are described with a quiet kindly humour which seeks on impulse the best in human nature.
Chaucer's swift astounding strokes characterize the pilgrims at once as types and individuals.
The greatness of the Prologue may be said to reside in the vividness of its individual portraiture. In it, the essential humanity is emphasised - each is measured by absolute standard of manners. Langland with his allegory of heaven and hell gains much in grandeur and impressiveness, but Chaucer with his individualised types, gains considerably in reality and in human sympathy. This realism of painting human life is the abiding gift of Chaucer to literature.
The dramatic method adopted by Chaucer in the representation of characters anticipated the character-portrayals in the drama and the novel that developed in the subsequent ages.
The wife of Bath is typical of certain primary instincts of women, but she is given local habitation. There is a merchant who represents his class in his greed but he is dressed in a neat and gaudy dress. Chaucer's humour is gentle and ironical.
The vivacious wife of Bath had fixed her mind on a sixth husband after the fifth had died. The prioress is more interested in cultivating courtly manners than holiness of life. She is a woman of exaggerated sensibility. She would weep if she sees a mouse caught in a trap. The Knight enumarates in an exaggerated manner the distant places he had visited in the course of his holy campaigns.
The two-facedness of religious men and women (Monk, Summoner, Pardoner) is glanced at with tolerant humour.
In rich comedy, variety of humour and descriptive powers and study of characters, the Canterbury Tales is a unique achievement and has great historical importance.
November 22, 2024
chaucer dzięki za jakiekolwiek queer rep, nawet jeśli ziom jest tutaj abolutnym zwyrolem
June 17, 2020
3.5 STARS
May 3, 2021
Set in England in the Middle Ages, stories of peasants, noblemen, clergy, and demons are interwoven with brief scenes from Geoffrey Chaucer’s home life and experiences implied to be the basis for the Canterbury Tales. In the prologue, Chaucer introduces all his pilgrims in true colors without any reservation and they are individualized with touched humor or irony. The narrator is resting at the Tabard inn in Southwark before his journey on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. He is a devout Christian and there is a sense of fellowship with the pilgrims who have arrived at the Tabard Inn. While the prologue is a little too descriptive, it paints every character with utmost realism and humanism which in turn helps the reader to get to know them fairly well. Although I only read The Miller’s Tale in the past, Chaucer’s writing is exactly how I remember it – lyrical, humorous, scandalous, and thought-provoking.
December 15, 2018
Although studied for A Level English years ago, it is thanks to The Archers that this has been reread, and it has to be said, finally, fully appreciated. Luckily, in the years that have passed since those days as a 16 year old trying to translate this (very badly, it must be said) the familiarity with Middle English has hugely increased so that it is now enjoyable.
Each pilgrim is slyly described in Chaucer's typical witty style and seemed, surprisingly like distant relatives, infrequently seen yet consistently somehow a part of life.
Thank you Lynda Snell!
Each pilgrim is slyly described in Chaucer's typical witty style and seemed, surprisingly like distant relatives, infrequently seen yet consistently somehow a part of life.
Thank you Lynda Snell!
April 21, 2023
I think this is a pretty solid prologue to the Tales.
Particularly, I like how Chaucer sets up the narrator as a simple, normal guy who doesn’t necessarily represent each member of the pilgrimage accurately.
I also like how the Prologue offers us each character by providing an idealized or typical archetype of them as they would have existed in the Middle Ages, and then working to critique or distort that archetype. This socially critical aspect of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is what makes it so great, and so characteristic of its time.
Particularly, I like how Chaucer sets up the narrator as a simple, normal guy who doesn’t necessarily represent each member of the pilgrimage accurately.
I also like how the Prologue offers us each character by providing an idealized or typical archetype of them as they would have existed in the Middle Ages, and then working to critique or distort that archetype. This socially critical aspect of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is what makes it so great, and so characteristic of its time.
October 3, 2023
I get that this is only an introduction to Chaucers' book of tales. I also recognize that I read it for school. However, that being said, this intro read like a list of character ideas. This being said, the ending as it implies each character is to tell stories to compete for who's story is the best does intrigue me. I will read the following sections of the Canterbury Tales for school, and I look forward to them.
December 3, 2023
I went to Canterbury this year and enjoyed the town. I geeked-out on all the history!
The Canterbury Tales, one of the first books to be printed in English, has it all. I enjoyed listening and reading in Middle English. It took me back to my college days when I memorized a small part of the prologue.
The Canterbury Tales, one of the first books to be printed in English, has it all. I enjoyed listening and reading in Middle English. It took me back to my college days when I memorized a small part of the prologue.
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December 19, 2020I'm not giving this one a rating but needless to say I'm incredibly interested. I read this and the Wife of Bath's Tale for a class and I'm actually very excited to read the entirety of the piece. I really enjoy the rhyming schemes and the allusions. Great fun!
April 1, 2023
Obviously 5* for Chaucer, but given the age of this edition the introduction is a little outdated, and I suspect more recent ones may be more interesting now on narrative technique in particular. But it brings out the wit and warmth of the survey of the group nicely.
January 4, 2018
Whilst Middle English can be a bit of a struggle to begin with, I am learning to appreciate Chaucer's gentle satire.
January 12, 2019
Un clásico que te ayuda a comprender un poco mejor la sociedad medieval de por entonces.
May 29, 2020
Very boring. I had to splash water on my face regularly just to get through it
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October 13, 2020[2nd reading - 12.10.80]
May 31, 2021
It is such an enjoyable tale.
September 2, 2021
Las ganas de hablar con 30 personas
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September 16, 2021 My wit is short, you can well understand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews