Canterbury Tales Character
... very intelligent man. Had you tried to test his wits and grope for more, you’d have found nothing in the bag.(662-663). Garlic he loved, onions, and leeks, as well as drinking strong wine till all was hazy. Then he would shout as if crazy. (642-654) He is not afraid to show or tell how he is feeling because he drinks quite often. Because of his passionate greed, he is easily bribed with either gifts or monetary tokens. He would allow just for one quart of wine any good lad to keep a concubine. (667-668) After catching clergymen in compromising situations, he informs them that he would keep their secrets for the right price. If he found some rascal with a maid he would instruct him not to be afraid. (671-672) In the archdeacon’s case, he lies about not having any money to give, but the Summoner knows that he is lying. When a sinner lies, the Summoner exposes him and he is either put to death, or worse excommunicated to live his life in shame. The Summoner uses this fear tactic to attain his wishes. He is Extravagant in his purchases. He wore a garland set upon his head large as the holly-bush upon a stake. Outside an ale-house, and he had a cake, a round one which it was his joke to wield as if it were intended for a shield. (684-688) His boldness and flamboyance serves as a reminder to those he is keeping secrets of. He uses the blackmailed money to buy these gifts and flaunts them in popular areas. This tactic helps him to keep control over sinners. The Summoner ...