Chaucer’s prologue describes different people in relation to their profession. The Skipper, a sailor, in “The Canterbury Tales” differs in various ways when compared to other individuals in the story; he is uncomplicated and sincere because he calls things as they are. The Skipper is first introduced in the prologue together with other pilgrims. Chaucer describes him thoroughly using his wear, skin, and horse. For instance, he states, “He rode upon a rouncy as he couth, in a gown of falding to the knee” (Chaucer, 1392, Line 3). From Chaucer’s descriptions, the Skipper is tough, a fighter, and good at his job.
According to Chaucer, the Skipper is tough and a working individual. Chaucer tries to let the reader know that the Skipper was tough and works hard despite his limited means. Chaucer describes Skipper's horse as rouncy (an ordinary horse); he writes, “he rode upon a rouncy, as he couth….” (Chaucer, 1392, Line 3). Also, he describes his wear as falding (coarse cloth). Also, the Skipper has a dagger that gives the idea that he would not be afraid to get involved in a fight.
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Also, the Skipper is a fighter and good at his job. Chaucer describes the Skipper as a fighter. He writes that Skipper is "of nice conscience took he no keep. If that he fought and had the higher hand, by water he sent them home to every land" (Chaucer, 1392, Line 11). This description shows that the Skipper is not afraid of drowning his prisoners. This further adds to the earlier impression of a fighter because he has a dagger. Therefore, the Skipper is always prepared to fight his enemies; he can also go the extra mile and drown them. Besides being a fighter, the Skipper is very good at his job. Chaucer notes that Skipper is a good shipman who can keep his ship floating despite difficult conditions and knew all ports in Europe.
The Skipper reveals different things about people in his profession. He notes that individuals in his profession live a simple life and are not extravagant (Chaucer: The Shipman, 1392). These individuals do have the best gowns, silk, or have expensive horses. Additionally, they are fierce and tough fighters. They often carry daggers and normally throw their enemies to the sea after killing them.
References
Chaucer, G. (1392). The Canterbury Tales.
Chaucer, G. (1392). The Portrait of the Shipman, his Prologue and his Tale. The Shipman. http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/webcore/murphy/canterbury/15ship.pdf
