question icon

What is implied about the Prioress in these lines from Chaucer's Prologue to the Canterbury Tales?

Category: Literature
Explanation:

In Chaucer's "Prologue to the Canterbury Tales," the Prioress is described as a woman who is "well-mannered" and "pleasant" and who speaks "French" with a "sprinkling of English." The description implies that the Prioress is a member of the aristocracy or a wealthy family, who has received a good education and has refined tastes and manners. However, the description also suggests that the Prioress is more concerned with worldly pleasures and appearances than with spiritual devotion and humility, as she wears a "coral trinket" and a "brooch of gold" and feeds her dogs "roasted flesh" and "milk and fine white bread." The implication is that the Prioress is not a true representative of her religious order, which values poverty, chastity, and obedience, but rather a worldly and vain woman who seeks to display her status and wealth.

Was this helpful? star star star star star No votes.
Cite this page

What is implied about the Prioress in these lines from Chaucer's Prologue to the Canterbury Tales?. (2023, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/qa/literature/what-is-implied-about-the-prioress-in-these-lines-from-chaucers-prologue-to-the-canterbury-tales

Answered by StudyMoose
One of our experts proficient in Literature provided the explanation to this question. Feel free to rate the answer and let us know if you liked it.
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment