Canterbury Tales: The Prologue (p. 144), Study Guide
1. When and where do the pilgrims gather? How many pilgrims are making the journey (besides the narrator)?
2. What event or circumstance causes the characters to make the pilgrimage? What is the destination of their
pilgrimage?
3. Lines 23-34, who is the narrator of this poem? What is revealed about his character in this passage?
4. Paraphrase lines 35-42. What does the narrator set out to accomplish in “The Prologue”?
5. Reread lines 43-74. What do the Knight’s actions on and off the battlefield reveal about his character? Cite
details to support your answer.
6. Reread lines 122-145. Which details suggest that the Prioress may be trying to appear more sophisticated
than she really is?
7. In lines 169-192, does Chaucer reveal mostly virtues or flaws in the character of the Monk? Explain your
answer. (Consider: What is the Monk’s primary pastime? What does the Monk think of the Benedictine rules?
Does he lead a pious life?)
8. In what ways does the narrator appear to poke fun at or satirize the Monk? Consider the similes in lines 200-211.
9. How is the characterization of the Monk an example of situational irony?
10. Reread lines 237-263. In what ways is the Friar corrupt? Is the Friar more corrupt than the Monk?
11. What appears to be Chaucer’s personal beliefs about how a monk and a friar should behave?
12. A writer who pokes fun at behaviors and customs with the intent of improving society is creating satire.
What aspects of the medieval church does Chaucer satirize through the Monk and the Friar?
13. How did the Wife of Bath react to anybody who tried to go up the altar steps before she did? List other
details of her physical appearance.
14. Reread lines 455-486. Which details help define the Wife of Bath as a worldly woman?
15. Why does the narrator describe the Wife of Bath as “worthy” in two lines (455 and 469)?
In literature, tone refers to the attitude a writer takes toward a subject or character. Tone can be serious, playful,
admiring, mocking, or objective. Review lines 455-486, what is Chaucer’s tone toward the Wife of Bath?
16. In the characterization of the Parson, the religious metaphor of a clergyman as the shepherd of his
congregation—the flock—and the wolf as a representation of evil, sin, and temptation (lines 514-24) is used.
What is the shepherd’s job? What is the danger faced by the flock?
17. Restate lines 515-524. In what ways does the Parson serve the members of his parish?
18. What point is Chaucer making about the clergy through the Parson?
19. What are the similes used in lines 570-75, to create a remarkably vivid—and unflattering—portrait of the
Miller?
20. In ll. 578-581, explain what you think Chaucer means by the words “An honest miller has a golden thumb.”
21. In lines 585-604, what words best describe the Manciple’s character? How does the narrator use the Manciple
to comment on education?
22. How is the characterization of the Summoner an example of situational irony?
23. In lines 641-669, what specific details describe the Summoner’s appearance? How is the Summoner’s
appearance a reflection of his character?
24. In lines 689-734, in what ways is the Pardoner like the Summoner? And in what ways are they different?
25. Paraphrase the description in lines 712-726, How exactly does the Pardoner earn a living?
26. What examples of verbal irony does the Pardoner’s introduction contain?
27. In lines 767-779, what words does Chaucer use to describe the Host, the innkeeper of The Tabard? What
actions of this character does Chaucer also describe? What do the Host’s own words reveal about him?
28. What plan does the Host propose to the other characters? Why did he make this proposal?
29. Examine the way the pilgrims respond to the Host in lines 830-41. What type of person do you think would
appeal to so many?
30. How would you describe Chaucer’s tone toward his characters throughout the Prologue? Why do you think
he portrays his characters this way?