... these characters are therefore stereotypes of The Middle ages. The intricate visual descriptions and the tales the characters tell help to direct the reader in finding a more accurate and realistic picture of the pilgrims, bringing into question the theory that Chaucer was just collating stereotypes from ... portrayal of the pilgrims as well as giving them colourful characteristics. Chaucer's description of the knight is a good example of his subversion of the classic Arthurian image that existed in popular literature of the time[2]. In the General Prologue, Chaucer relays his descripti...

• Word Count: 2064
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... stories tellen us" (line 859) 7 The story of Palamon and Arcite originated from one of Chaucer's older contempories, Boccaacio, his was titled Teseida. However Boccaccio's work was modelled on the classic epic, and therefore had twelve books. Chaucer's story is not just a summary of the Teseida, as while he omits some parts and condenses others, he expands others and adds his ... movements. There are a series of set scenes, ornate and full of details, which are arranged to fall into a pattern. The very way in which the story is told encourages the reader or listener to find order and me...

• Word Count: 1803
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography