Who Is The Pilgrim In The Canterbury Tales

In his “The General Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer reveals the true nature of people from every part of medieval society. Through his observations he contrasts those who perform their jobs well with those who do not. Chaucer discovers that no matter what a pilgrim’s social class, it is their professional conduct that defines their moral character. Specifically, he observes the appearance and behaviour of pilgrims for the nobility, clergy and working classes to help him better understand how well they perform their jobs.
The Franklin lives as a member of the nobility, described as an older man with a white beard and a red face that also portrays the role of a landowner. Chaucer describes the Franklin, saying: “Whit was his berd as is the dayesye; his complexioun he was sangwyn” (333). The Franklin has the temperament of a humor blood, his large stature shows this. The Franklin was a very wealthy man, and the description of his appearance makes this evident, “An anlaas and gipser al of silk. Heeng at his girdel...” (357-8). Given the Franklin’s class, temperament and features, it is easy to understand his appearance. The pilgrim is focused on himself rather than doing his job which involves looking after his land and workers.

The Franklin does not fulfil any of his actual duties, which include peacekeeping, caring for the public and civil work. The Franklin’s one true desire is to cook, “Withoute bake mete was nevere his hous,” (343). The Franklin bakes various pies and pastries containing meat or fish that he hunts himself. The flaw in the Franklin’s character is shown when Chaucer states, “Wel loved he by the morwe a sop in wyn.” (334). Chaucer hints at the Franklin’s slight drinking problem, saying that he drinks wine every morning. The pilgrim is focused on fulfilling his own needs and only attaining worldly