From Canterbury Tales
Of fustian he wered a gypon
Al bismotered with his habergeon,
For he was late yeom from his viage,
And wente for to doon his pilgrymage
Reference:- The above given stanza has taken from The Canterbury Tale’s ‘ The General Prologue’ written by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1309.
Context:- In the given lines the poet has describing the role of knight. The poet describes the bravery and ambitions along with the character of knight, when he decides to visit to pay respect to St. Thomas’s shrine along with other pilgrimages.
Explanation:- The knight is the only character in The Canterbury Tales that appreciated positively by the Chaucer. He is the noble person. Chaucer has really admired his character who has fought 100- year war very bravely. The poet describes his brave personality according to his clothes as he has wearing a dress which is made with rough fabric (fustian), waistcoat (gypon). Also narrated that how his all clothes are so muddy that it feels like he has come from a voyage (viage). The poet here respects his decision to join all the pilgrimage in the same condition to pay his respect.
Critical Comment:- The poet says that the knight is brave and chivalry and gentle in speech. The poet portrays his simplicity and soiled rough tunic coat of mail, the cloth that he has wear is like a hard twilled armour on his body, and his wings is like an eagle and legs is a tail is like a lion. All the words have used to describe his brave personality which is more enhanced by his outfit, by the poet. Every pilgrimage looks him with respect but at some point of time the knight filled with humility.
The given lines are in iambic pentameter and the word is used by Chaucer are from middle English. Also, the style of writing is totally based on Geoffrey Chaucer’s writing style.
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