Paper Summary:

The paper examines Geoffrey Chaucer's "The General Prologue" and analyzes Chaucer's use of metaphor, simile and images to bring the Franklin alive. The paper also identifies Chaucer's unusual diction, unusual word order, rhyming, alliteration and poetry style. The paper shows how Chaucer provides a clear portrait of the character of the Franklin.

From the Paper:

"Geoffrey Chaucer's "General Prologue" to The Canterbury Tales provides ample details for the rest of the tales. Metaphor and simile are just two examples of literary techniques that Chaucer utilizes to bring the Franklin alive. While on the surface, it may seem like we do not have enough information to visualize the Franklin, when we pay attention to the details, we do. One technique Chaucer uses to help us understand the Franklin's personality through metaphor. For example, we are told that he was "Seint Julian was he in his contree" (342). A metaphor that Chaucer uses to illustrate the Franklin's generosity is when he describes his cellar, noting, "It snewed in his hous of mete and drynke" (347). Here we are presented with the image of food literally falling from the ceiling. The image here is that of a man that had plenty to give and gave of it willingly. In addition, we read that the Franklin's "table dormant in his halle always/Stood redy covered al the longe day" (353-4). This image is one of table standing ready, as if it is standing to attention, like a solider, waiting for the cook to place food upon it so that it might fulfill its purpose. These metaphors bring us closer to the Franklin and his world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chaucer, Geoffrey. "General Prologue." The Canterbury Tales Online. Electronic Literature Foundation. Information Retrieved October 13, 2008. < http://www.canterburytales.org/.

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