The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Study Guide Block 7

The Knight • Physical description: “A most distinguished man” (line 43) • Clothing: “He wore a fustian tunic stained and dark With smudges where his armor had left a mark” (77 -78) • Occupation: A knight, fighting for the lord he trained under as a page and squire • Representative line: “He was a true, a perfect gentleknight” (74) • My opinion: He seems to be a brave, skilled, experienced crusader for Christianity • Modern counterpart: A Navy SEAL • The ideal; most socially prominent member of the journey

SQUIRE Physical description: Chaucer describes him as “embrouded as if he we a meal all ful of fresshe floures, whyte and feede” (8090) with locks as curly as if hey had been pressed. Occupation: A squire is like an indentured servant learning the trade on how to be a knight. He makes songs, and poems and recites them, shield or armor bearer of a knight. Modern counterpart: An apprentice. Representative line: “Courteous he was, lowly and serviceable and curved to serve his father at the table” I think that the squire is a servant that spends years learning his trade so he can be the best Knight possible when he is older. Clothing: ‘short was his gown, the sleeves were long and wide” (95)

YEOMAN Physical description: “His head was like a nut, his face was brown. ”(line 111 -112) Clothing: “wore a coat and hood of green, and peacock feathered arrows, bright and keen”(line 105 -107) Occupation: A forester, he takes care of the forest on the knight’s land, protecting it from outlaws and so nobody poaches in them Representative line: “He was a proper forester”(line 121) My Opinion: He seems to be trustworthy, loyal, and a strong person. Modern counterpart: Park Ranger

A Nun who is a religious figure but tries too hard to be perceived a certain way.

PRIORESS Physical Description: “Her way of smiling very simple and coy. ” (123) “Her nose was elegant, her eyes glass-grey; Her mouth was very small, but soft and red, Her forehead, certainly, was fair of spread, Almost a span across the brows…” (156 -159) Clothing: “Her veil was gathered in a seemly way. ” (155) “Her cloak, I noticed, had a graceful charm. She wore a coral trinket on her arm, a set of beads, the gaudies tricked in green, where hung a golden brooch of the brightest sheen. ” (161 -164) Occupation: A nun who spoke French Representative Line: “And to seem dignified in all her dealings” (145) My Opinion: She seems well educated, well mannered, and very compassionate Worries about appearance, which is unusual for a nun. Modern Counterpart: A nun

MONK Physical Description: “His head was bald and shone like lookingglass; so did his face, as if it had been greased. He was a fat and personable priest; His prominent eyeballs never seemed to settle. ” (203 -205) “He was not pale like a tormented soul. ” (209) “His palfrey was as brown as is a berry. ” (211) Clothing: “I saw his sleeves were garnished at the hand, With fine grey fur, the finest in the land, And on his hood, to fasten it at his chin, He had a wrought-gold cunningly fashioned pin; ” (197 -201) Occupation: A monk who studied religious scripts, who also took care of horses and hunted Representative Line: “Where my lord Monk was Prior of the cell. ” (176) My Opinion: I think that he has a wild personality because he hunts and kills animals, yet studies religious texts that disapprove of these actions Modern Counterpart: A monk (Phil Robertson)

Friar Physical Description: A wanton (cruel) one and merry (212) Clothing: Threadbare robes and stuffed tippet with pins for curls and pocket knives. (237 -238) (268) Occupation: A Limiter, a very festive fellow (has girls confess their sins to him, and then helps them find marriage) Representative Line: He was the finest beggar of his batch (256) (the best of his type-a scoundrel; tricky) My Opinion: He seems to be a player, charming, and respected by many people. (charms people to take advantage of them) Modern Counterpart: A Bishop

Merchant Physical Description: A forking beard and motley dress (280) Clothing: Upon his head a Flemish beaver hat and on his feet daintily buckled boots ( 282 -283) Occupation: He was an expert at dabbling in exchanges (288) (knew how to bargain, to the outside he was part of a powerful, affluent class, but no one knew he was in debt) Representative Line: He was an excellent fellow all the same (293) My Opinion: A short man that seems really confident and works hard to earn money. Modern Counterpart: A Trader

Poor, but doesn’t mind because rich in smarts.

Franklin • “White as a daisy petal was his beard, ” “sanguine (positive), ” “high coloured and benign” • Dagger and silk purse hung from his girdle • Occupation: “As sheriff he checked audit, every entry” • Line: “He lived for pleasure, and had always done” (enjoyed good food and always had his table laid out; wealthy land owner, but not of noble birth) • Modern counterpart: heir to “new money” business

Harberdasher, Carpenter, Weaver Dyer, Carpet-Maker Physical Description: *None Description of Clothing: Trim and Fresh, Knives made of silver Occupation: They all create, fix, or sell products Representative Line: “Their wisdom would have justified a plan, to make each one of them an alderman. ” (Line 381 -382) Opinion: I’m assuming they all must be friends since they travel with each other and they must be important because they each have a special skill. Modern Counterpart: Handyman

Cook: Physical Description: Ulcer on his knee Description of Clothing: *no info in book Occupation: Cooked food for the travelers, Representative Line: “They had a cook with them who stood alone”(line 389) Opinion: He was a great cook, and created many delicious meals, however he was old and had some physical problems. (his ulcer makes some people turned off by his food) Modern Counterpart: Cook

The Shipman Physical Description: “The summer heat had tanned his colour brown, And certainly he was an excellent fellow. ” (lines 404 -405) Clothing: “He rode a farmer’s horse as best he could, In a woollen gown that reached his knee. A dagger on a lanyard falling free Hung from his neck under his arm and down. ” (lines 400 -403) Occupation: A skipper that fights enemy vessels at sea Representative Line: “Hardy he was, prudent in undertaking; ”(line 415) My opinion: He seems to be a relentless and shrewd captain who was a hard worker and felt no sympathy. (tough, knowledgeable of the geography of the sea) Modern Counterpart: A ship captain

THE SKIPPER -PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: “HE CAME FROM DARTMOUTH, SO I UNDERSTOOD. “HE RODE A FARMER’S HORSE AS BEST HE COULD. ” DESCRIPTION OF CLOTHING: “HE RODE HIS FARMERS HORSE AS BEST HE COULD IN A WOODEN GOWN THAT REACHED HIS KNEE. ” OCCUPATION-HE WAS A FIGHTER AND WHEN HE FOUGHT HIS ENEMY VESSEL SANK. REPRESENTATIVE LINE- “HE SENT THE PRISONERS HOME; THEY WALKED THE PLANK. ” OPINION- I THINK THE SKIPPER IS A

The Doctor of Medicine Physical Description: “No one alive could talk as well as he did On points of medicine and of surgery, ” (lines 422 -423) Clothing: “”In blood-red garments, slashed with bluish grey And lined with taffeta, he rode his way: ” (lines 448 -450) Occupation: A self-sufficient physician that prescribes medicines for his patients as well as cares for them Representative Line: “He was a perfect practicing physician. ” (line 432) My opinion: He appears to be an intelligent business man who is rather wealthy with gold. (good dr. , physically healthy, but spiritually lacking) Modern Counterpart: A Pediatrician

WIFE/WOMAN OF BATH • Physical description: “Bold was her face, handsome and red in hue. ” (line 468) deaf, gap in her teeth • Clothing: “The ones she wore on Sunday, on her head. Her hose were of the finest scarlet red and gartered tight; her shoes were soft and new. ” (line 465 -4670 • Occupation: Knows remedies for love mischances • • (seamstress) Representative line: “In company she liked to laugh and chat” • My opinion: Very well off and has seen the world • Modern counterpart: trophy wife

Parson Physical description: Male Clothing: Old clothes that are not extravagant Occupation: Parish priest who spreads Christianity and teaches virtuous and holy living. Representative line: “Christ and His Twelve Apostoles and their lore, He taught, but followed it himself before. ” (537 -538) Opinion: He is a very selfless man (he lives in poverty) who takes his job as a parish priest very seriously. (ideal portrait of what a parish priest should be among superficial religious characters on this pilgrimage) Modern Counterpart: Priest

Plowman Physical Description: “He wore a tabard smock and rode a mare. ” Line 555 Clothing: He wore a tabard smock. Occupation: He was a friar or priest. (works picking up manure in the fields) Representative line: “He was an honest worker, good and true, Living in peace and perfect Charity, ” Line 543 My Opinion: He seems like a good hearted priest or friar that just wants to make others happy and to give all he can. (brother of the parson) Modern Counterpart: A modern day priest.

Miller Physical Description: “A great stout fellow big in brawn and bone. ” (Line 562) “Broad, knotty and short shouldered” (Line 565) “His beard, like any sow or fox, was red and broad as well” (Line 568 -569) (red hairs coming from the wart on his nose made him look intimidating) Clothing: “He wore a hood of blue and a white coat. ” (line 582) Occupation: A store owner that buys and sells grains. Representative line: “His mighty mouth was like a furnace door. ” (line 575) My opinion: He seems like a large, hairy, greedy man that uses muscle over brain, except when he’s cheating people out of their money. Modern counterpart: A street vendor.

The Miller - “ A GREAT STOUT FELLOW, BIG IN BRAWN AND BONE” (563) “BROAD KNOTTY AND SHORT SHOULDERED” (565) - “HE WORE A HOOD OF BLUE AND A WHITE COAT” (582) “HE HAD A SWORD AND A BUCKLER AT HIS SIDE” (574) - A STRONG MILLER, WITH THE UNCANNY ABILITY TO IDENTIFY ANY GRAIN. - “HIS WAS A MASTER HAND AT STEALING GRAIN. HE FELT IT WITH HIS THUMB, AND THUS HE KNEW ITS QUALITY…. ” (578 -580) “HE COULD HEAVE ANY DOOR OFF HINGE AND POST” (566) - THE MILLER SEEMS TO BE EXTREMELY STRONG, AND HE ALSO SEEMS VERY SKILLED AT HIS PROFESSION. - A PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER OR A MASTER BAKER.

The Miller

The Manciple - “ AN ILLITERATE FELLOW CAN OUTPACE THE WISDOM OF A HEAP OF LEARNED MEN? ” (LINE 592 -593) - IN CHARGE OF PURCHASING/PREPARING FOOD FOR THE INNER TEMPLE A LAW SCHOOL - “IN BUYING VICTUALS HE WAS NEVER RASH, WHETHER HE BOUGHT ON CREDIT OR PAID IN CASH”(LINE 88 -89) - HE SEEMS TO BE A SMART AND SENSIBLE PERSON. (WOULD OUTSMART THE “WELL-EDUCATED LAWYERS BY KEEPING A SUM OF MONEY FOR HIMSELF) SWINDLE THEIR MONEY FROM THEM) - BUSINESS AGENT OR CATERER

The Manciple

Reeve • Old, choleric (irritable), and thin. Legs were skinny, thin beard. • Wore a blue overcoat. Had a rusty blade at his side. His coat was tucked under his belt. He was a skilled carpenter with a horse. He would take care of his master’s animals. (manager of a large estate; cheats his lord by lending him what was already his own) • Line 623: “Feared like the plague he was, by those beneath. ” (bad temper to those who worked ( under him, rode alone because he was suspicious of others on the pilgrimmage) • I think this character is like a rich grumpy old man who is skilled in his job. • Modern Counterpart: A mayor

Physical Description: Narrow eyes and black, scabby brows, thin beard, smelled like garlic and onions, pimples sitting on his cheeks. � Clothing: No detail � Occupation: A mendictant friar who travels about preaching and gaining his living by begging. (paid to take sinners to court) � Representative line: “Garlic he loved, and onions too, and leeks, and drinking strong red wine till all was hazy. ” My opinion: He seems to be frightening, unappealing, and repulsive. (people hated getting summons from him bc he was so gross, but could easily be bribed-Chaucer ironically calls him a good fellow for that) � Modern counterpart: A drunk

Summoner • Ugly, had carbuncles (skin disease), children would run when they saw him. • Wore a robe and a hat, usually carrying a sword along with him. • He would transport letters to people that he was ordered to summon. • Lines 662 -663: “But had you tried to test his wits and grope for more, you’d have found nothing in the bag. ” • I think this person doesn’t have a very important job and to make it worse he has very disgusting aspects. He also likes gross things such as garlic and onions. • Modern Counterpart: Court Summoners

THE PARDONER • • • Physical description- “hair as yellow as wax” line 695 Clothing- “he wore no hood on his head, for fun” line 700, “but for a little cap his head was bare” line 703 “he’d sewed a holy relic on his cap” line 705 Occupation- a pardoner in the middle ages was a clerk of the Catholic Church that raised money for the church by selling indulges My opinion-I think he is a pretty chill dude. He seems to care a lot about the church and is really religious Despite his work with the church, his “flatteries and prevarication” make him sound like he’s not an entirely genuine character. Modern Counterpart- Catholic priest that hands out penance after confessions

Pardoner • Physical description: hair yellow as wax(line 695) bugling eye-balls(line 704) • Clothing: he wore no hood upon his head (lines 700 -705) • Occupation and what it entails: noble ecclesiast in church(729), told stories • A representative line: He’d have to preach and tune his honey tongue (line 732) • Your Opinion of Character: well spoken preacher, rich, well accomplished man (through trickery; makes his money preaching about greed, but he is greedy himself. ) • Modern counterpart: Christian rap artist

Pardon picture

Host • Physical Description: “A very striking man, had bright eyes, his girth a little wide” (lines 772 -773) • Clothing: No detail • Occupation: Inn Keeper – “Our Host gave us great welcome; everyone was given a place and supper was begun” (lines 667 -668) “He shall be given a supper, paid by all, here in this tavern, in this very hall” (lines 819 -820)/ Judge – “Serve as guide, I’ll be the judge” (lines 824 -825) “Become our Governor in short, judge of our tales and general referee” (lines 833 -834) He will judge the stories that are told while on the journey. • Representative Line: “Bold in his speech, yet wise and full of tact, there was no manly attribute he lacked, what’s more he was a merry-hearted man” (lines 775 -777) • My Opinion: He seems to be a merry-hearted man who is looking to provide fun for and have camaraderie with others. He seems to enjoy planning and executing the storytelling competition as well as providing a reward. • Modern Counterpart: Hotel Manager

Host � Physical description: bright eyes, wide grin (lines 773) fit to be a marshal (line 772) very striking man (lines 771) � Clothing: modern but slightly holy (lines 701 -705) � Occupation and what it entails: governor in short and be judge of our tales(line 833) sets a price for the supper (line 835) � A representative line: Judges of our tales and general referee(line 834) � Your Opinion of Character: adventurous man, kind, and rich � Modern counterpart: homeowner

The Host