CASTING CANTERBURY TALES

Jennifer Hudson as the Prioress

 Hudson would be fit for this character due to the fact that she shares many characteristics of the Prioress. “At meat well y-taught was she withal: She let no morsel from her lippes fall, Nor wet her fingers in her sauce deep.” (Chaucer 7, lines 126-129). Here we acknowledge that the Prioress is very well-mannered. This character is also defined as, “…she was not undergrow.” (Chaucer 8, line 156). Jennifer Hudson has always seen as being a very classy celebrity. When we see her on any award functions, she is dressed very elegantly, similar to the Prioress.  Hudson has most recently become the face of Jenny Craig and lost a lot of weight. The Prioress is known to be very cheerful and as we saw a few years ago, Hudson unfortunately lost her nephew. Regardless of this tragedy in her life, she has come above and stayed positive. 

Jake Gyllenhaal as the Squire 

The Squire is described as being a very sexual human being. He supposedly engages in sexual activity with numerous amount of women which means he may be an attractive fellow, “A lover and a lusty bachelor” (Chaucer 5, line 80). This character is also described to wear very nice clothing. Jake Gyllenhaal appeared in the movie, Love and Other Drugs. His role in this movie would prove him to be fit for this casting because of his part in Love and Other Drugs. Gyllenhaal plays a very attractive womanizer, similar to the type of person the Squire is. The Squire is described as, “So hot he loved that by nightertale, He slept no more than does a nightingale.” (Chaucer 6, lines 97-98). Not only is Gyllenhaal hot and steamy in movies, but in 2009, he was given the title of “Sexiest Man Alive” by the very famous, People Magazine. 

Justin Timberlake as the Franklin 

The Franklin is portrayed as a wealthy landowner. “Of his complexion he was sanguine.” (Chaucer 16, line 333). This allows the reader to think that the Franklin was often cheerful and optimistic, “For he was Epicurus's own son…” (Chaucer 16, line 334). Justin Timberlake is known for his very positive influences on society. He is one of the very few celebrities who have been able to maintain a respectful manner all over the world. Timberlake has a key physical characteristic that fits the Franklin’s appearance, his beard, “His bread, his ale, was always after one.” (Chaucer 16, line 341). The philosophy of Epicurus is to live with pleasure, always happy with friends around. Timberlake demonstrates this, as does the Franklin. Because the Franklin is wealthy, one may assume that he is handsome, as is Timberlake, being voted “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2006. In the movie, The Social Network, Timberlake played an important contributor to Facebook, presenting ideas clearly and taking control. Because the Franklin owns land, we see him of being somewhat dominant. Timberlake would have no problem playing this part.