Canterbury Tales Flashcards
no vow of poverty, roving eyes, fat, satirizes corruption of church in medieval times
Monk
how does the Monk ignore the monk code
hunts, goes outside, no charity, many horses=lavish/ sexual lifestyle
skilled carpenter, manager of lord’s estate, choler, shrewd, rich, rode in back of group with blade, feared by those who worked for him
Reeve
wanton and merry, white neck= no complexion or morals, double worsted robe,dressed like a doctor or pope, sweet talker, has sex then marries her off, makes living in penance,finest beggar of his batch
Friar
somewhat deaf, expensive clothes, handsome and bold face, red in hue, gapped teeth, well traveled, large hips, carries whip for horse, materialistic, has to be in front of communion line, loved to talk, independent woman
Wife of Bath
jobless, friends paid for books, hollow look, sober stare, badly fed horse, thin and bare clothing, philosophy over practical knowledge, used church for education, selfless, only interested in buying books, tone of moral virtue
Oxford Cleric
man of faith and “brother” to Parson, worked with a smile, rode a mare, selfless, lived in perfect peace and charity, talks about charity, gives money to church, ideal
Plowman
forking beard, motley dress, flemish beaver hat, buckled boots, told of his opinions/pursuits, acts like a know it all, expert at dabbling in exchanges, hides he’s in debt,greedy and liar
Merchant
feminine qualities, wallet lay on his lap, he gets around, sang and Offertory, may be gay/sterile, sells fake relics of the church
Pardoner
white beard, well-stocked pantry, showered his guests, red complexion far, Epicurus’ son, wealthy landowner but not a noble, hospitable, kind and gracious, talks of pleasure, gluttony
Franklin
Why is it ironic to call the Franklin “Epicurus’ son”?
Epicurus taught to live life for pleasure but to achieve through moderation and virtue and the Franklin does not achieve by these means
224 lbs, broad, had a lot of tavern stories, big mouthed, ugly black wart (lustful), red foxy beard, wide nostrils, fraudulent, wore blue hood, corrupted
Miller
How was the Miller fraudulent?
would press his thumb on the scale to make it seems like the flour was heavier than it truly was
knight’s servants who became landowner or foresters who originally were soldiers, too neatly dressed and saucy, serious and says nothing about himself, careful and well organized with hunting equipment, brown face, skilled in woodcraft, proper forester ( I guess), St. Christopher (patron saint of travelers) medal
Yeoman
reports those of spiritual sin, uses poisonous things to heal wounds (stupid), knows secrets and blackmails, lives secluded, thin beard, bad complexion, black scabby brows, children are afraid, skin medications can solve complexion, drunk, tries to act smart with Latin
Summoner
Rode into war alone, modest clothing, treated as nobility and sat at head of table after victory over Alexandria, formal in combat, joined pilgrimage to give thanks, sovereign value in all eyes, loyal and trustworthy, well-mannered
Knight
son of knight, youthful vanity, pressed curly hair, excess of love, young and athletic, focused on women rather than duty, not modest, flashy clothes, interested in the arts, respected and honored father, obsessed with courtly love
Squire
What is the purpose of the naive narrator?
agrees with some non-ideal characters to show irony, doesn’t understand what he observes
When is the pilgrimage and what does it symbolize?
April; beginnings
