Greed In The Canterbury Tales

Greed is shown in early time periods through literature such as various writings of Chaucer, but these stories can also represent those who are a stark contrast to the avarice filled characters previously mentioned. These selfless characters provide better understanding for the true meaning behind greed by exhibiting what greed is not. It is not selfless actions done to help others. It is not an honest man working hard for his livelihood. It is not one's actions resulting in a positive impact on another person. It is not one of the seven heavenly virtues. The Parson, from the Canterbury Tales Prologue, emulates all these factors that are what avarice is not. He does not act greedily upon any selfish thoughts he may possess. He is not found to be lusting after items or status that he does not need. He does not let his lower place on the social pyramid lead to desire to be at the top and enjoy the luxuries that

Suzanne Collins portrays the ideal contrast to greed through the character of Katniss Everdeen in her book The Hunger Games. She helps give an understand of what makes someone selfless not greedy. Her constant risk of her own life shows how he does not act on the want to possess unnecessary things or status. She is willing to risk her own life in order to save her sisters. When her sister’s name is called Katniss screams, “‘I volunteer!’ I gasp. ‘I volunteer as tribute!’”(Collins 22). Here, Katniss gives the perfect example of how greed is not risking one’s own misfortune in favor of someone else’s fortune. She is also giving an example of how either men or women can be selfless or selfish. Katniss constantly finds ways to put others before herself allowing her to embody the true opposite of