Information
The author of ‘The Canterbury Tales’ (1387-92) is himself a pilgrim in his own story, and as such begins to tell a tale. However, the Host and organizer of the pilgrimage, Harry Bailly, is not very impressed by 'Sir Thopas' (a parody of the popular verse romances of the day),which he cuts short. Chaucer’s second tale,'Melibee', is at the opposite extreme: it is a long prose treatise on the virtues of prudence. It prompts the Host to bemoan his wife’s quick temper, until, realising that they are drawing near to Rochester, he interrupts himself to cajole the Monk into recounting a tale. On the well-trodden pilgrim route from London to Canterbury, Rochester was a customary second night’s stop.
Quotations
‘But lat us passe awey from this mateere.
My lord, the Monk,’ quod he, ‘be myrie of cheere,
For ye shul telle a tale trewely.
Loo, Rouchestre stant heer fast by!
Ryde forth, myn owene lord, brek nat oure game.’
Place | Extract |
| Rochester | Chaucer’s second tale,'Melibee', is at the opposite extreme: it is a long prose treatise on the virtues of prudence... |
| Sittingbourne | On the way to Canterbury, Chaucer’s pilgrims travel through Sittingbourne, as we know from a passing reference in the Wife of Bath’s Prologue... |
