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Why In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales-Perfection Is Not For Mortals

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Perfection is Not for Mortals Is it possible to live on this planet without being a hypocrite? Is it unavoidable in a morally strict environment? In The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer sets high moral standards for his pilgrims to follow. Neither the Pardoner, the Summoner, nor the Friar come close to the dignified spiritual example set by the Parson. With the exception of the Parson, these pilgrims fall short, suggesting that the moral objectives imposed by Medieval society are unattainable in a corrupt world. Chaucer uses the Parson to illustrate decency in an immoral society. The Parson is a member of the clergy, but unlike the Pardoner, the Summoner, and the Friar, he truly lives in harmony with his own advice. “He was a poor country parson, but rich he was in holy thought and work” (General Prologue 480-481). The Parson believes he cannot leave his parishioners behind, and it is his honorable duty to look after and care for them. On the surface, the Parson simply preaches the words of the Gospel, but Chaucer clearly compares him to Jesus, which further exemplifies this unrealistic moral standard. “He was a learned man also, a clerk, who Christ’s own gospel truly sought to preach” (General Prologue 482-483). Furthermore, the Parson is the epitome …show more content…

However, unlike the Parson, the Summoner does not rely on his faith to sustain him during difficult times. The Summoner becomes intoxicated and very angry, which suggests that he is frustrated by righteous church dogma. “And drink strong blood red wine until dizzy. Then he would talk and shout as if he’s crazy” (General Prologue 637-638). The Summoner not only bribes, cheats, and steals, but he has a reputation for being inappropriate with young women. Considering the church places a high value on chastity, the Summoner’s teachings would be condemned if the Parson discovers his

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