General Prologue of the Canterbury Tales The Friar and...

General 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. Their motivations for these actions describe the differences in the mind sets of the good holy man and the one who is less true to his orders, the Parson and the Friar respectively. Throughout their portraits, the descriptions of the two are set at odds, so as to highlight their contrariety. A†¦show more content†¦The Parson knew how to live on very little, as â€Å"he coude in litel thing han suffisaunce.† (490) As mentioned above, he gave up income to improve the lives of others, and made do with whatever means he had left. The Friar was taken to excess, and lived among the wealthy, knowing â€Å"the tavernes wel in everich toun/ And everich hostiler and tappestere/ Better than a lazar or a beggestere,† (240-242) a lifestyle unbefitting a clergy member. The way of the Parson sheds a dark light on that of the Friar, the two exemplifying respectively how a holy man should and should not conduct himself. A clergy man should not be spending his time in pubs and inns, but at home serving the church. The Parson makes an example of a dirty shepherd and clean sheep, that â€Å"wel ought a preest ensample for to yive/ By his clennesse, how that sheep sholde live,† (504-505) commenting indirectly on the behaviour of the Friar, and its inapprop riateness. The manner of bringing people to god, or to heaven, between the two, shows the motivations each has for his occupation, and also by what store he sets his responsibilities, commenting on eachother to demonstrate the worth of the other. The Parson tried â€Å"to drawen folk to heven by fairness,/ by good ensample† (519-520) and â€Å"Cristes gospel trewely wolde preche; his parisshens devoutly wolde he teche.† (481-482) He showed the path toShow MoreRelatedReligious Characters in The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer Essay examples598 Words   |  3 PagesCharacters in The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer *Works Cited Not Included When thinking of the figures in the church, they are thought to be loyal, respectful, giving, and dedicated. Sadly to say this, but not all figures follow that description. In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer shows the corruption of the church in the medieval period through some of his characters, particularly through the Nun, the Monk, and the Friar. 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