Character Analysis in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories, written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400, reflecting the society of the time through social, cultural, and fashion features. The following paragraphs will describe four characters, using the edition “…” of the novel.
The Knight: Embodiment of Chivalry
The Knight is the first pilgrim described in the Prologue, which is no coincidence. During the late Middle Ages, society was structured with military figures at the top, followed by church representatives, and then the working class, who represented the majority of citizens. The monarchy and its court were, of course, at the highest position.
The Knight embodies ideal moral values: loyalty, intelligence, bravery, courage, and good manners. As one of the most important characters in the social ranking, yet humble and natural, his noble personality prevents him from seeking attention like those in lower positions, making him a role model.
His representation on horseback, paying more attention to his horse than himself, clearly demonstrates his kindness. Physically, he is not extensively described because the author emphasizes his mind and principles over his appearance. His tunic, stained from his participation in several wars (specify which ones), symbolizes his experiences. The religious reference to the Crusades when mentioning his achievements highlights their historical importance, which the author reflects in the character’s description.
The Wife of Bath: A Deeply Described Character
The Wife of Bath is a deeply described character. This five-times-married widow, whose occupation has always been a wife, has embarked on this spiritual journey to visit the martyr Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. However, this is not her first attempt to be closer to God and seek forgiveness for her sins and cleanse her soul; she has also journeyed to Rome, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela. This list of pilgrim destinations illustrates the extent to which this woman seeks spiritual healing.
The Squire: Youthful and Joyful
The Squire, the Knight’s son, is the second character described. Approximately 20 years old, his youth is evident in his actions: singing, playing instruments (specifically the flute), writing poems, and dancing. He brings joy and fun to the pilgrimage group. Handsome and aware of it, he spends his nights with young women. In contrast to his father, the Squire is less focused on the pilgrimage and spiritual journey, prioritizing fun, meeting girls, and enjoying himself.
The Prioress: A Satirical Portrait
There are few female characters in the pilgrimage, reflecting the patriarchal society of the time. The descriptions of the two female pilgrims are more unusual, marked by humoristic criticism and satire. The Prioress, also known as “Madame Eglantine” (meaning wild rose in Latin), is a suspicious character. This pretty nun, who prays to St. Eloy, the saint of jewellery, loves to be seen as intelligent, pretending to speak French (a French learned in London). Her small forehead symbolizes her perceived intelligence (a large forehead being a symbol of knowledge).
She was not skinny, indulging in food without restraint. She loved animals, always caring for them, seemingly preferring them over people.
As a follower of St. Eloy, she adores jewellery, gold, and wealth. As a symbol of her devotion, she wears a gold piece of jewellery on her tunic inscribed with “Love conquers all.” The fact that a Prioress prioritizes this sentiment over religious citations seems peculiar.