Externally Different, Internally the Same; an essay about the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Compares and contrasts two of Chaucer's pilgrims, the knight and the plowman.

Externally Different, Internally the Same The Canterbury Tales is the most famous work of Geoffrey Chaucer, a late fourteenth century English poet. Chaucer envisioned English poetry which could be read by anyone who spoke English. The Canterbury Tales was his attempt at making that vision a reality. The story begins at the Tabard Inn in London, with a group of people planning a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. The travelers decide on a game in which …

…rarely left the area in and around his home. Still, both men were very much servants in their positions to both their lords and those around them. Chaucer illustrates the differences between the two men in things that are primarily external, such as possessions, experiences, and role expectations. Despite these external differences, Chaucer praises both characters because of their similarities that are basically internal qualities, such as honesty, humility, contentment, and a spirit of service.