Kerala PSC - HSST ,English Syllabus wise Notes  Part-03

Character List:

The Pilgrims

The Host (Harry Bailey)

·        The owner of the Tabard Inn, who volunteers to travel with the pilgrims. He promises to keep everyone happy, be their guide and arbiter in disputes, and judge the tales.

The Narrator ( Chaucer)

·        The narrator makes it quite clear that he is also a character. Although he is called Chaucer, we should be wary of accepting his words and opinions as Chaucer’s own.

·        In the General Prologue, the narrator presents himself as a gregarious and naive character. Later on, the Host accuses him of being silent and sullen.

The Knight

·        Socially the most prominent person on the pilgrimage

·        Along with his son Squire and Yeoman, the first to arrive Tabard Inn, after Chaucer

·        Epitome of chivalry, truth, and honor

·        “He was a verray parfit gentil knight”

·        Represents ideals of truth, honour, generosity, courtesy, modesty and gentleness; prudent

·        Hero of over 15 religious battles (Crusades)

The Squire

·        Son of the Knight

·        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.

·        Medium height, curly hair

·        Was “as fresh as the month of May”

·        “slept no more than doth a nightingale” o Healthy and powerful – indication of lustfulness

·        Fashionably dressed in a short gown with long sleeves

·        Has fought battles like his father, but were for winning his ladyloves

·        Humble and modest (chivalric)

·        Tells an Oriental Tale of a falcon talking to Canace about her husband’s adultery

The Miller (Robyn)

·        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 (Oswald)

·        A very old and irritable man who was once a carpenter. He resents the Miller’s tale about a stupid old carpenter.

·        Head was tonsured (shaven) like that of a priest

·        Legs were lean and long like a walking stick

·        For twenty years, he has managed estates

·        Was fully in charge of his master’s sheep, cattle, dairy, swine, horses, stock and poultry

The Man of Law (or Sergeant of Law)

·        A lawyer and one of the high justices of the court. 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.

·        He was employed by the Guildsmen

The Wife of Bath (Alison)

·        Characterized as gap-toothed, somewhat deaf in one ear, and wearing bright scarlet red stockings.

·        She has had five husbands (the last half her age), enjoys her freedom, and is openly sensual.

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 of Oxford

·        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 Franklin

·        A large and wealthy landowner who enjoys fine living and good companionship.

The Shipman (The sailor)

·        A huge, uncouth man who can steer a ship but flounders on his horse.

·        His ship was called The Magdalen

The Prioress (Madame Eglantine)

·        A very genteel lady who is coy and delicate.

·        She has precise manners, eats as an aristocrat would, and wears a gold brooch with “A” (Love conquers all) inscribed on it.

    

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