Ecclesiastical characters in Chaucers "Canterbury Tales"
...aceful. The way she spoke french showed that perhaps, it was all an act; she wanted to pretend like she was cultured. The Prioress wore a set of Rosary Beads that are meant for prayer, however she most likely wore them for fashion purposes. Hung from these Rosary Beads was a brooch, and instead of a religious inscription or prayer, "Amor Vincit Omnia" was written on it. She was very much more concerned with her superficial display of knowledge than with her duties as a follower of God. Chaucer shows that the Monk did not care about the rules of his monastery when he says: "Of prikyng and of huntyng for the hare Was al his lust; for no cost wolde he spare" (Chaucer, p.53). He was rebellious and lived and controlled his own life. He did not let the Church decide what his life would be, and much preferred doing things that he enjoyed. The rules of the Monastery said that monks should not hunt, be reckless, nor leave the monastery. Instead, they should study about religion and the church, and do manual labour. The Monk never followed any of these rules because they were against what he loved to do, which was hunt and ride. In comparing the Prioress to the Monk, the difference between them, is that Chaucer portrayed the Prioress as more of a disgrace to the Church. Where as, the Monk seemed to have left a good impression on him. It appears that Chaucer applauded him for living his life the way he wanted to. His failure as a Monk is given little attention. He showed leadership skills since he dictated his life by ignoring the rules of the monastery. He was "...a fair for the maistrie, An outridere, that lovede venerie, A manly man, to been an abbot able" (Chaucer, p.53). It is true that the Monk disobeyed the rules of the Church, however, never did the tale mention any acts of theft or violence. He was an honourable man, only ignoring the rules so that he could enjoy his life. He may have wanted to have the title of "Monk", but did not want to do what it took to be a Monk. He liked to dress differently, and eat plenty of rich foods. Instead of wearing a plain hood on his robe, he bordered it with gray fur, and wore a gold pin (the love knot) instead of a rosary. Similarly, the Prioress, as a church figure, did not wear the Rosary as a religious symbol; it was worn purely to appear like she was pious. To add some style to her wardrobe, the shiny brooch, with the inscription "love conquers all" was attached to it. The love knot and the Prioresses inscription are paralleled. Both of these characters demonstrated in their own ways, how they did not follow the rules of their Church. There were religious folk who were as conniving and immoral as an everyday thief was. The Friar, who disregarded many of the St. Augustine's rules for Monastic living, was one of the clergymen who fit into this category. He did not spend time with the poor ministering to their physical and spiritual needs. He spread the word to the people of his country that he could forgive sins better than the priests could. This made the upper classmen ask him for forgiveness, and in return gave good sums of money. The Friar thought it was improper to deal with the poor, because of his position, which was the opposite duty of his occupation. He sold pardons for sin at a price, and seduced women who asked for pardons. "He was an esy man to yeve penaunce There as he wiste to have a good pituance" (Chaucer, p.55). The Friar was very happy to grant forgiveness for sins, if he knew he was going to get a gift in return. Instead of using the money he earned to help the poor, he spent the money on gifts for himself. He bought pins and needles, which were quite expensive in the Middle Ages, and ga...