Canterbury Tales Research Paper

The Canterbury Tales are 24 stories written in middle English, by the author Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1386, Chaucer was the Controller of Customs and Justice of Peace. And in 1389 he was the Clerk of the King's work. During these years, he worked on the Canterbury Tales. He presented this book as a story-telling "contest" by a group of pilgrims. The Pilgrims were traveling to London, the Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. While they traveled they all told their tales to win the prize of this "contest," a free meal, paid by all the other pilgrims. The pilgrim I am writing about is the Oxford Cleric (clerk). He was a young scholar, and a member of the clergy. The cleric was born a peasant, but was rich in knowledge.

When the boy was 2 years old, he repeated the same request. She realized she was low birth and would consent to die if that would be what would please him. But following these acts the people of Saluzzo began to hate Walter, and labeled him a murderer. After this he devised his next test- he made a counterfeit order which said that he must divorce Griselde, and his wife remained steadfast. Behind this "order" he had sent a letter to have his children returned to Saluzzo and they were going to pretend the daughter was going to marry the marquis. He sent his wife back to her father's house, and the people followed her home and wept of her bad

There were bishops, priests, monks and nuns. The word "cleric" means a man in religious order. His function in society was to care for the spiritual needs of people, and the cleric can be seen as following that rule, and also not following that rule. Though he may teach people lessons at the end of the day, he also cheats his way out of responsibility. He borrows money and doesn't pay people back, and it is very noticeable that he has no intentions in paying people back. MY character is a humble man, who displays humility and respect. But there is always two sides to a story- he may be humble, but he cheats his way out of