Language and culture IV

Ayelén Isnardo

Summary

In the book ´Chaucer: modern essays in criticism´, J.R. Hulbert writes a chapter called ‘Chaucer’s
Pilgrims’. Through the chapter he talks about ‘The Canterbury tales’ prologue’.

He states that Chaucer’s prologue is a representation of the society at that time and that is why it
has success.

In addition he believes that the book could be the basis for a fourteenth century survey.

On the one hand, as every character is described in detail, he cites Professor Manly who said that
some characters are not fictional; they represent real members of the society.

On the other hand, Professor Robinson declared that any historical figure is represented by
Chaucer’s pilgrims.

As shown above Chaucer’s prologue is successful because of his very detailed characterizations
and the pilgrims as representation of society.