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Shvoong Home>Books>Poetry>Abstract on “the General Prologue: The Friar” by Geoffrey Review

Abstract on “the General Prologue: The Friar” by Geoffrey

Book Review   by:akso6o175     Original Author: Andy Kester Sawian
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As a literary artist, Chaucer is well known for his unfinished masterpiece. ‘The Canterbury Tales’ is one of the finest poetic works, which earned him the title of the ‘Father of English Literature’. It is a narrative of different tales told by a group of pilgrims on a journey to a shrine of St. Thomas of Canterbury. The thirty pilgrims meet at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. Their meeting and an introduction to the pilgrims is given in ‘The General Prologue’. ‘The Friar’ is an extract from the general prologue that describes the character of the Friar, one of the pilgrims. The owner of the inn, referred to as the ‘Host’, proposes that the pilgrims tell two stories each to entertain themselves on their way to and from Canterbury. He would accompany them, judge their tales and award a free supper to the pilgrim who would narrate the best tale.
‘A Limiter’; a Friar who begged within the limits of a district: unlike monks who retreated from the world into their monastery, Friars lived with and as common men: the aim being to convert them. They begged for their sustenance and paid a sum or ‘ferme’ for permission to do so. According to the teachings of St. Francis, who started the order, they were to keep what they needed and donate the surplus to the poor. But the teaching was abused by the greedy Friar who received more than he paid, kept the surplus and enjoyed the profit. ‘In all Four Orders’; the four orders consisted of the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites and Augustine: they took vows of poverty, dedication to the poor and sick and chastity. Chaucer’s ‘The General Prologue’ is not only a detailed description and observations of the pilgrims, it is also an ‘Estates Satire’- a popular form of literature during the ‘Middle Ages’ that describes the qualities, trade, professions, ways of life, as well as the shortcomings of the members of the various ‘estates’ or sections of the society. Chaucer drew his observations on the various estates from the well established ideas or stereotypes of each section of the society. But he also added to these ideas, thus giving the pilgrims their own unique personalities.
‘He fixed up many a marriage, giving each Of his young women what he could afford her’; the Friar personally financed and conducted weddings for young women. This may seem a good deed but if we consider that he begged, we can understand that this might imply that he hurriedly married off the young women he had seduced. ‘Or so he said, with more than priestly scope He had a special license from the Pope. Sweetly he heard his penitents at shrift With pleasant absolution, for a gift’; Friars could hear confessions and give absolution for certain grave sins which were beyond the authority of a curate. ‘To arbitrate disputes on settling days’; days kept for settlement of disputes through negotiation-Friars were often appointed as judges. ‘He lisped a little out of wantonness’; to lisp or to speak with one’s tongue pressed against the upper teeth was a sign that was fashionable and refined. Lisping and a fair complexion (the Friar’s white neck) were also suggestive of a lecherous nature. The Friar’s portrait presents a man of the church who is ‘wanton’, yet is ironically referred to as the ‘noble pillar’ of his order. His display of knowledge of the refined language of the court, flirtatious and idle talk, keeping company with the rich and powerful, presents to us a man who has forgotten his calling and vows; who has detached himself from spiritual enlightenment and embraced worldliness. Chaucer leaves us to infer for ourselves the character and nature of the Friar and remains the faithful observer, though what he observes strongly highlights the corruption and degradation of humanity.
Published: October 25, 2010   
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  1. Answer   Question  :    Is this abstract from the text The Looking Glass, NEHU Anthology of poetry for BA Pass and Major, published by Cambridge University Press in 2010? View All
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