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How Does Chaucer Use Public Image

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THESIS: Chaucer's portrayal of the pilgrims teaches the audience that people's true character can vary from their public image and allows the audience to reflect their own character.
Chaucer utilizes the Knight as a standard of how people should be. The Knight bravely, “jousted for [their] faith” shows the Knight is honorable. Rather than fight for himself, he fought to protect the right of others. Furthermore,the Knight, “joined [their] ranks to do his pilgrimage and render thanks” indicates the Knight humbles himself. While many believe highly in the Knight,he is able to see the wrong in himself without letting his pride get the best of him. The Knight is embodies what people desire to be. The author intentionally describes the Knight first in order for the audience to have an idea of what a righteous person would be. However, Chaucer also wants the reader to see what qualities they may lack compared to that …show more content…

For example, Chaucer uses the Nun to suggest clergy members aren’t dedicated to religion. “For courtliness she had a special zest,” suggests the Nun is enthusiastic about being well-mannered. However, the Nun shouldn’t have her attention taken away from her holy responsibilities. The Nun would,”wipe her upper lip so clean that not a trace of grease could be seen,” suggests the Nun practiced her table manners. Chaucer describes the Nuns mannerisms in a way that comes off as surreal or royal like. Unlike the Knight,the Nun uses her time to build skills she could can use to impress others. However, because she utilizes her time to impress others, she doesn’t fulfill her duties as a nun. Chaucer emphasizes the Nuns lack of devotion to her religion to suggest not all people dedicate themselves to their responsibilities. Additionally, Chaucer intends to show that some people will strive to be something they

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Chaucer’s Canterbury tales introduced us to each character beginning with the one that is highly ranked in society at that time. The knight was the highest in the social class in the pilgrimage to Canterbury. Chaucer describe the characters based on how they appeared to him. Chaucer spoke of the night based on his views. He spoke of the night as a noblemen and who fights for what he believes in, and services the king.

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The narrator describes the friar as “that excellent limiter, the good friar” in The Friar’s Prologue. In actuality this is communicated in jest because the profession of the friar has similar faults as that of the summoner. Later the summoner tells of a friar who erases the names of donors from his tables as soon as they were out of sight. This shows that the way the system worked was corrupt. Chaucer is able to demonstrate that the medieval church was not without its own faults and sins.

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The Merchant (who Chaucer does not name) is a fur trader described as being tall, proud, and dressing in lavish clothing. He is viewed as being quite wealthy due to his dress although in reality it is stated he is secretly in debt. However despite his debt (which is implied to be due to borrowing), he has great business sense as seen by his knowledge regarding trade and currency. In many ways his characteristics in “real” life are the same with the charecters in his tale that he tells the pilgrims.

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