Comparison Of The Parson And The Canterbury Tales

In Chaucer’s famous novel: The Canterbury Tales, he describes many characters in a satirical way, while others he describes with complete admiration. The narrator (a constructed version of Chaucer himself) is staying at the Tabard Inn in London, when a large group of about twenty-nine people enter the inn, preparing to go on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. After the narrator talks to them, he agrees to join them on their pilgrimage. Although, before the narrator progresses any further in the tale, he describes the circumstances and the social rank of each pilgrim. There are two characters in these tales of the same social class, but Chaucer’s opinion on them vary greatly. These two characters are the beloved Parson, and the loathed Pardoner.†¦show more content†¦From this description alone, one can tell that the Parson truly views himself as the caretaker of believing souls. He takes his responsibility extremely seriously. Associating the Parson with characters lik e the Friar, Monk, Prioress, Pardoner, and Summoner makes those characters appear even more covered with sin and selfishness. The Parsons presence on the pilgrimage is needed. Without him, there would be no idea of what a religious figure should be, while, with him, we have a nearly Christ-like view of comparison. â€Å"Who truly know Christ’s gospel and would preach it devoutly to parishioners, and teach it. Benign and wonderfully diligent, and patient when adversity was sent.† (Chaucer, 491-494). As for Chaucer’s views of society, Chaucer clearly does not have an issue with the church class itself. Rather, he knows there are some corrupt souls and people who do not deserve to be a part of the church. The Parson is the ideal person that belongs in this class, and it is obvious that Chaucer understands religion, and has nothing against it. He only frowns upon the deceitful church members, who are only a part of the church for selfish gain. The Pardoner is anothe r church class member that is described by Chaucer. Except, Chaucer has some strong feelings about this particular man. The pardoner sells pardons for sins, and also travels with the summoner while simultaneously singing a duet with him. This man seemed to be normal, until Chaucer describes this man asShow MoreRelated General Prologue of the Canterbury Tales: The Friar and the Parson1655 Words   |  7 PagesGeneral Prologue of the Canterbury Tales: The Friar and the Parson The Friar and the Parson, as described in the General Prologue of the Canterbury Tales, can be used to portray both the good and the bad sides of clergy. They make a stark contrast to each other, often even directly, with their characteristics as told by the narrator. From physical traits to their actions, these two pilgrims are almost exact opposites in certain ways. 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