The Canterbury Tales is a famous collection of stories about pilgrims, their adventures, and religious and social lessons created by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. Many characters perform their special roles and make contributions to the plot development in a variety of ways. The Monk was one of the pilgrims, first introduced as the manly man in the “General Prologue.” It seems that Chaucer does not want to create an ordinary character with some common qualities inherent to this man. The reader hardly expects to meet the Monk who is fond of hunting and horse riding. This man likes entertainment, parties, and people who are ready to take everything from this life. Although pilgrimage is a significant element of his existence, isolation is never its part.
The author’s characterization suggests that the Monk contradicts all traditional religious images. This character does not follow the rules and obligations, but he requires to possess the title of monk even if he is not aware of what it means. Such a choice of characteristics can be explained as a necessity to underline that society is never perfect or standardized. There are always some individuals who choose another approach and prove the correctness of their ideas uniquely. The Monk is a good example of how to ignore rules, admire the lack of control, and strengthen rebellious interests in an era where such controversies are less expected. In this prologue, many characters are presented and described, but the analysis of the Monk is probably the most captivating due to its unpredictability and honesty to himself and the community in which he has to live.