What do you know about the Clerk of Oxford?
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.
Answer
What do you know about the Clerk of Oxford? [2021, 2019] ✪✪✪
Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) presents the Clerk of Oxford in “The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales” as a man of learning and honesty. He lives in Oxford. It is a place of study and wisdom. His poor life shines with purity, faith, and knowledge.
A Poor but Honest Scholar: The Clerk of Oxford is a student of logic and philosophy. He is very poor but never sad. His horse is as thin as a rake. He spends his money not on food or clothes but on books. Chaucer writes,
“Hadde he but litel gold in cofre.”
(He had but little gold in his strongbox;)
He wears a simple coat and lives quietly. His poverty shows his love for learning. He is honest, gentle, and full of wisdom.
A Lover of Learning and Books: The Clerk loves reading more than wealth. His books are his treasure. He would rather have knowledge than gold. He is always busy studying. He does not waste time in idle talk. He believes that true happiness comes from truth and wisdom. His learning gives him peace and pride.
A Man of Few Words and Deep Faith: The Clerk is quiet but speaks with meaning. His words are short but full of thought. He loves to learn and loves to teach. Chaucer says,
“And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.”
(And gladly would he learn and gladly teach.)
His learning is his prayer. He is not proud or worldly. He serves God through his wisdom and gentle life. Chaucer admires his pure mind and humble heart.
The Clerk of Oxford is a true picture of the wise poor man. His love for books and truth makes him noble. In a world of greed, he shines as a symbol of learning and purity.