Question

In the Prologue from The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer describes the Cook as having an ulcer on his knee. What does this tell you about the Cook?

Answer 1

Chaucer's description of the Cook with an ulcer on his knee in The Canterbury Tales suggests poor hygiene and potentially reflects on the Cook's professionalism.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer describes the Cook as having an ulcer on his knee. This detail provides a hint about the Cook's hygiene and possibly his professionalism in the kitchen. The presence of an ulcer, especially in a medieval context, suggests poor personal health standards, which is ironic and unsettling given the Cook's profession. It could imply that the Cook is not as meticulous or clean as one would hope for someone in his trade, which is critical when handling food. Additionally, the description serves to add a layer of reality and human imperfection to the character, consistent with Chaucer's nuanced portrayal of the pilgrims in the tales.