Narration In Chaucer's 'General Prologue'

Section A: “General Prologue” - Question 1

Chaucer uses the technique of frame narration to introduce the reader to the characters in the “General Prologue”. This technique makes use of a “naive narrator” who provides a story within a story, in this case the narrator provides a description of each pilgrim that is traveling on a journey to a cathedral in Canterbury. Much like the narration, the story for each pilgrim is different and leaves much to be desired by the reader. The reader is required to form their own conclusion from each portrait that is given. The conclusion that is drawn is that the occupation of each pilgrim that is described by the narrator is an appearance in contrast the description of each pilgrim which identifies the reality.

The Parson in the poem is described to lead by example and to be a man that lives a simple, virtuous life of service and devotion to his master (God) and to the people of his parish. ‘And though he holy were and vertuous, He was to sinful men nought despitious’ (ll.517-518). Chaucer provides the motif of the poore Parson as a good shepherd who leads his flock,

A shiten shepherde and a clene sheep

Wel oughte a preest ensample for to yive,

By his clennesse how that his sheepe solde live. (ll.506-508)

This quote provides that the Parson leads by example and if his actions are not holy, he will lead his community astray, he acts as a religious shepherd (leader) of his parish.

The poore Parson accepts his own suffering to help others in his community, he is reluctant for the community to pay his tithes, he would rather pay this out of his own income. He would use the tithes he collects as well as his own income to help the community, ‘Unto his poor parisshens aboute Of his offring and eek of his substance’ (ll 490 -

However, the “naive” narrator has provided an extensive analysis of the physical portrait of the prioress namely her colourful jewelry and her choice of clothing.

Ful fetis was hir cloke, as was war;

Of smal coral aboute hir arm she bar

A paire of bedes, gauded al with greene,

And theron heeng a brooch of gold ful sheene, (ll. 157-160)

The physical description draws in the reader in terms of the vows that the Prioress has supposedly taken of poverty and chastity, however here it is seen that Prioress is concerned with the way she is presented.

The Parson leads a life of service and devotion much like the life of a shepherd who tends to his flocks, every needs the parson serves his community.

‘Wid was his parissh, and houses fer asonder, But he ne lafte nought for rain ne thonder, In sicknesse nor in meschief , to visite’