The Host Essay

Submitted By MariaRosales
Words: 422
Pages: 2

`THE Host
The Host seems to be the main character in the prologue of The Canterbury Tales. In the Prologue the host’s appearance is described as a tall handsome man that is overweight “A very striking man Host withal”. (Chaucer) The Host is also said to brilliant eyes, which caught Chaucer’s attention, “His eyes were bright girth a little wide” (Chaucer). The Host is said to an outspoken person. He is never afraid to speak his mind in any situation yet he is always knew when to stop and tried to avoid hurting feelings. ”Bold in his speech, yet wise and full of tact” (Chaucer)
The Host plays possibly the most important role. The Host has to introduce the idea of telling the stories on the long walks. The Host starts off by telling all the pilgrims that they would have a little competition meaning that whoever told the best 2 stories on the way to their destination and on the way back would receive a meal courtesy of everyone else in the group. During their travels, the Host had intimate relationships with a lot of the pilgrims. AS was expected to be; during the trips, some of the pilgrims would fight. The Host would always be the one to break it apart. For example, when the Friar was picking on the Summoner, the Host said,” In company we would all have no debate.’(Poidners intro29-30) which was basically telling the Friar to quit causing problems with everyone. Although the Host meant well, he often cause just as many problems as he tried to resolve them.
The Host proves himself to be a very good