An Analysis of the Characters of The Canterbury Tales :: Canterbury Tales Essays

An Analysis of the Characters of The Canterbury Tales An interesting aspect of the famous literary work, The Canterbury Tales, is the occupation of realistic and exaggerated qualities that Chaucer entitles to to each one of his characters. When viewed more closely, one can determine whether each of the characters is convincing or questionable based on their personalities. This essay allow analyze the characteristics and personalities of the Knight, Squire, Monk, Plowman, Miller, and Parson of Chaucers tale. One of Geoffreys less believable main characters is the Knight, for reasons of chivalry. The knight displays many traits which make him seem al nearly too good to be true, and a true gentleman that rarely exists in reality. The narrator sums up the knights character by stating that Though he were worthy, he was wys,/And of his port as meeke as is a mayde. (pg. 5, The Canterbury Tales) The knight holds four main admirable traits, making him the most liked traveler in The Canterb ury Tales, and also amplying the doubt of his realism. The lector is prepared to learn of each of his noble accomplishments and importance when the narrator remarks that A knight ther was, and that a worthy man,/That fro the tyme that he first bigan/To ryden out, he loved chivalrye,/Trouthe and honour, fredom and curteisye. (pg. 4, The Canterbury Tales) From the characters impressive introduction, it is clear that this man is the most valued and honorable traveler among the group. This perfect gentleman holds a love of ideals that are often not displayed by people. First and foremost, he believes in the ideals of chivalry, and ever stays true to its principles. He also feels that one should be honest, truthful and faithful, which many people are not all of these ideals. The knight thinks one should just now do what is right, and what will gain him honor and reputation. This character also believes in freedom and generosity towards all, and displays this ideal repeatedly throughou t the novel. And lastly, the knight also powerfully feels that any proper person should display courtesy and elegance at all times. Another aspect of this characters life which makes him seem too prestigious to be truthful is his impressive military career. He fought in the holy war, known as the Crusades and was involved in 15 mortal battles. In the prologue, the narrator informs the reader that Ful worthy was he in his lordes werre,/And therto hadde he riden, no man ferre,/As wel in Cristendom as hethenesse,/And ever honoured for his worthinesse.