How does Chaucer portray the ecclesiastical characters in The General Prologue?
The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales is a notable literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
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Question: How does Chaucer portray the ecclesiastical characters in The General Prologue?
Or, In what light does Chaucer represent the clergy in his “The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales”?
In 14th century England, religion had control over the minds and souls of the people. This made the ecclesiastics, corrupted and dishonest, notorious. They had forgotten their sacred duties. For them, religion became corrupted. Moralities and ethics were fading. In “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer (1340-1400) has drawn some portraits of the ecclesiasticals. He satirized the corrupted ecclesiasticals and admired the good clergymen. A short description of the ecclesiastical characters of “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales” is highlighted, shedding light on Chaucer’s attitude towards religion given below.
The Prioress: The Prioress is the first ecclesiastical character in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.” She smiles politely. She 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 leet no morsel from hir lippes falle,
Ne wette hir fyngres in hir sauce depe.
Wel koude she carie a morsel and wel kepe
Thát no drope ne fille upon hire brist;”
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 notUnlock this study guide now