The Host who turns into the tour guide was the man who started all the tale telling. As I said in my previous post, Chaucer has this remarkable ability to describe real-life characters. Obviously not all of these fourteenth century literary characters can translate into our modern world, but take a look at the Host. In present day I could see him as a local pub owner flipping the channels on the TV, rowdy at times and a man that enjoys his patrons as easily as they come and go. The Host is a happy-go-lucky, down-home, man's man and a straight-shooter. And like many multifaceted people, he has a somewhat darker side to him. This is why I love Chaucer. He creates the incredible captivating characters with only a few short words they come alive. Here's a Modern English snippet online from CanterburyTales.org
749 Great cheer our host gave to us, every one,
750 And to the supper set us all anon; 751 And served us then with victuals of the best.
752 Strong was the wine and pleasant to each guest.
753 A seemly man our good host was, withal,
754 Fit to have been a marshal in some hall;
755 He was a large man, with protruding eyes,
756 As fine a burgher as in Cheapside lies;
757 Bold in his speech, and wise, and right well taught,
758 And as to manhood, lacking there in naught.
759 Also, he was a very merry man,
760 And after meat, at playing he began,
761 Speaking of mirth among some other things,
If you're a fan, then I know you get what I mean. So do you have any thoughts about Harry.
Mina B.
