What individualises the portraits? (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

 What individualises the portraits?

One of the notable features of Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" is the vivid and detailed characterization of its many pilgrims. Each character is presented as a distinct individual with their own unique personality, appearance, and quirks, allowing the reader to form a clear mental image of them. There are several ways in which Chaucer individualizes the portraits of the characters:

Physical Appearance: 

Chaucer provides detailed descriptions of each character's physical appearance, including their clothing, body type, and facial features. For example, the Knight is described as having a "fustian tunic" and a "hauberk stained with rust," while the Prioress is described as wearing a "coral trinket on her arm" and a "set of beads, the gaudies tricked in green."

Speech and Mannerisms: 

Each character has their own unique way of speaking and interacting with others, which helps to differentiate them from one another. For example, the Reeve is described as being "hot-tempered" and "sharp-tongued," while the Franklin is described as being "courteous" and "liberal."

Occupation and Social Status: 

Chaucer also individualizes the characters by giving them specific occupations and social status, which are often reflected in their appearance, behavior, and language. For example, the Merchant is described as being "dressed in motley" and speaking with a "forpined" voice, which reflects his profession as a trader.

Personal History and Background: 

Finally, Chaucer individualizes the characters by providing information about their personal histories and backgrounds. For example, the Wife of Bath is described as having been married five times, which helps to explain her views on love and marriage.

By using these various techniques, Chaucer creates a rich and varied cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality and traits. This helps to make "The Canterbury Tales" a compelling and entertaining work of literature, as well as a valuable source of insight into the social and cultural conditions of medieval England.