canterbury tales Flashcards
the knight
is highly respected for his deeds in battle and his skill on the battlefield, practiced chivalry
wife of bath
Some what deaf, always had to be first to give at church “had five husbands” which made her eligible to distribute marriage advice
squire
wants to prove himself and gain recognition from the ladies, son of the knight, learning to be a warrior
yeoman
excels in woodcraft, resembles the robin hood, servant to the knight and squire
friar
listens to confessions for a fee, he determines if people are sinners based on the amount of money he received from them, has little sympathy, exploits power for personal gain
franklin
wealthy landowner who owns a large estate, former sheriff, collects taxes, high status
parson
true and pious priest, provides spiritual guidance, has a willing to live a life of poverty, referred to as the good shepherd
plowman
brother of the parson, primarily works the land and tends to crops
cook
talented chef, has an ulcer on his knee along with bad hygiene, indulges in alcohol, works for wealthy patrons
monk
doesnt adhere to the traditional vows of poverty, does things more so for pleasure rather than doing hard work to reflect like other monks
sergeant of law
a lawyer with respect and authority
reeve
manager of an estate, typically works for wealthier people, knows carpentry
skipper
ship captain/sailor who commands a vessel, often engages in trade and travel, he cannot ride a horse
summoner
tasked with summoning people to go to church court for spiritual offenses, he ignores peoples sins when they offer him bribes/gifts, he persuades people to obey him by threats and intimidation
pardoner
sells indulgences, exploits faith, preaches for profit, has fake relics
merchant
businessman involved in international trade, he’s able to help other people with their own money but he’s in debt himself
miller
works as a grain miller, shows his strength by breaking doors with his head, steals grain and cheats his customers
oxford cleric
prefers books over fancy expensive things, clothes are very worn out and threadbare, devoted to books
doctor
uses both traditional remedies and his understanding of the humors, uses astronomy and astrology
manciple
buys food and supplies for the lawyers, efficient and practical at his work, manages to save money and profit from his purchases
guildsmen
skilled in carpentry, weaving, dying, haberdashing, and carpet making, often pay dues and support each other, eager to show off their wealth
nun
leads prayers and manages the convents activities, speaks a little bit of French and displays elegance in her manners, wears a golden brooch, more concerned with being a proper lady rather than a nun
