How does Chaucer Portray the Ecclesiastical Characters in the General Prologue? 

Answer

How does Chaucer Portray the Ecclesiastical Characters in the General Prologue? 

 Or In what Light does Chaucer Represent the Clergy in His Prologue To The Canterbury Tales?

In 14th century England, religion had control over the minds and souls of the people. So, the ecclesiastics had become notorious for their corruption and dishonesty. They had forgotten their sacred duties. For them, religion became corrupted. Moralities and ethics were fading. In The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, Chaucer (1340-1400) has drawn some portraits of the ecclesiastical. He satirized the corrupted ecclesiastical and admired the good clergy members. A short description of the ecclesiastical characters of The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales is highlighted, throwing light on Chaucer’s attitude towards religion given below.

The Prioress: The Prioress is the first ecclesiastical character in The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. She smiles politely but is not an ideal Nun. She signifies high-class, religious-minded ladies of the 14th century. She wears a fashionable dress with a golden broach engraved with the words: ‘Amor Vincit Omnia’, which means ‘Love conquers everything’. Chaucer satirizes her by saying that she is aware of the manners of society and knows how to carry morsel to her mouth. Chaucer says,

‘She carie a morsel, and wel kepe

That no drope ne fille upon hir brest”

Summoner: The Summoner is a nasty figure. He loves to drink. He loves onion, garlic, and red wine. He is a hypocrite. He knows the secrets of young women and men and exploits them for his interest. He forgives people for his small donation and allows them to carry on their sins. Children are afraid of him. So, Chaucer rightly remarks,

“Of his visage children were aferd.”

The Friar: The Friar is a greedy and corrupt fellow. He neglects his duties and does not maintain his religion. He is fond of singing and merry-making. He likes to visit inns and public places. He builds relations with wealthy women. He is a vagabond, a seducer of women, and a scoundrel.