Hey girls,
I actually read the wrong thing for today! I'm so sorry! Here's a response on the actual reading for today!
It seems to me that the pilgrims are narrating in the concluding section of the prologue.
the speak highly of a host that treats them royally. When they arrive, immediately he gives them the best food and wine around. He seems like a kind person who's motto is "mi casa es su casa."
He seems to just be a happy guy that enjoys the company of others and does his job well. I think that Chaucer meant for him to be portrayed as genuine and lively. Unlike many people we've read about in the prologue, the host is one of the few "good apples."
The host is modest and the pilgrims say you cannot find a man fairer than him in Cheapside, an eloquent and classy place in London. His character seems to outshine everything else.
He is wise, educated, and well-spoken, and funny. He seems like s true stand- up guy that they admire. I think this portrayal is used to show readers that it is important for a man to be smart, virtuous, funny, and kind. This man takes pride in his job and that was valued with the highest respect in this era. He is a good person in society because he does his job and he does it well.
It's really interesting that this section stands out so much to you. It's almost unfortunate, because that may mean that Chaucer is overly negative when it comes to describing people. However, I think he does this on purpose to send a message. Chaucer seems to be saying that there are supposed to be limitless amounts of good people, but only a handful of those we deem "good" actually live up to that expectation. Our society still loves to see the behind the scenes of royalty and celebrities breaking laws or slipping out of the norm. We thrive on it and we probably always have. It would almost be boring to read about a nun who was a great nun and led a simple, but religiously fulfilling life. Or to read about a squire who aspired to be a brave knight just like his father. It may seem negative that Chaucer is brutally honest, but it's also refreshing. I like that there are only a few positive descriptions of people. It's sad to say, but many people are the root of evil and only do their jobs and deeds to selfishly get ahead. I think Chaucer is just showcasing that truth inside people and just happens to be a few years early on discovering it and that may be why people are so hesitant to read the story and judge along with him.
ReplyDeleteAlong with Logan, I think this section reflects the descriptive nature of Chaucer's writing. Chaucer gives many characters positive attributes, but then undercuts them shortly after. This section might be worth noting simply because of the change in writing style or as Logan put it, "to send message."
ReplyDeleteBut, to change gears, this message could hide a hidden characteristic about the Host. I mostly agree with Logan about the concept of boring reading, but I also think that it is interesting that Jaasmin would say that this portrayal of a honest man is just that, even though we know that most people are not always good a hundred percent of the time.