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Example research essay topic: Man Of The Cloth Joining The Clergy Chaucer - 675 words

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Chaucer s View on the Church, as evident in The Canterbury Tales By analyzing The Canterbury Tales, one can conclude that Chaucer did see the merits of the church, but by no means regarded it in a wholly positive light. Whereas some of the clergy are viewed as devout and God-fearing, others are viewed as con- men and charlatans. One can even venture to say that Chaucer was using this story as somewhat of a criticism of the church, showing the flaws of its leaders and the greed that permeated it at the time. The Prioress is portrayed as a simple, gracious, and charitable woman.

The author does seem to hold a sympathetic view towards her, as he makes a point of extolling her virtues and neglecting to mention any of her flaws. The Parson is also painted as a decent and sincere fellow, who has no agenda other than to serve the Lord whom he loves with all his heart. Chaucer seems more ambivalent towards the cleric, a rather boring fellow. The description of the cleric led me to theorize that perhaps his intentions on joining the clergy were not primarily to serve the church, but as a means to receive an education. He is portrayed as having an insatiable lust for knowledge, and in that time period, joining the clergy was pretty much the only way to acquire an education and have access to books and other learning tools. Both the Pardoner and the Friar are portrayed as quick-thinking charlatans.

Chaucer does seem to admire the Pardoner s skill, and skilled he is, but his actions do not befit a man of the cloth. The Pardoner is spoken of as using bogus relics to con poor up-country parsons out of their hard-earned cash. These small hustles netted him more in a day than the parson in a month or two. When choosing his occupation, I m sure the Pardoner did not see the light of the lord but rather, dollar signs.

Chaucer goes on to say that yes, the pardoner did preach rather well and his stories were quite splendid, however that might be on account that he could win money from the crowd. The Friar s character is another materialistic shyster, who gives easy penances in exchange for bribes. He spent these earnings on finery for himself, and pocket-knives for the pretty girls, leading one to wonder whether he was keeping his vows of chastity. Whereas a true priest would follow Jesus teaching to tend to the lowest of his sheep, the friar did not wish to be bothered with the lepers and beggars. (Although he did on occasion, beg to supplement his own income! ) The friar spent his time drinking in the taverns, socializing with the barmaids and innkeepers. Overall, he is portrayed as a greedy, gluttonous fellow. The monk is not shown in such a negative light as the friar and pardoner, but on the other hand, he does not act in a manner befitting a man of the cloth.

His agenda is unclear, but Chaucer makes it obvious that the monk does not agree with the old traditions of the clergy. He spends his time hunting and raising horses, and does not make a point of upholding his vow of poverty. While the other monks fasted and toiled, Chaucer s monk chose to eat well and play rather than work. The Canterbury Tales may have meant more than a collection of stories for the reader s enjoyment.

Chaucer used his writing as an outlet to show the Church s flaws. I do not think that he was vehemently opposed to the Church, but he did wish to shed light on some of the corruption within it. In a world where man is fallible, even the supposed servants of God were subject to avarice and trickery. Chaucer does not tell us to turn our backs on the church, however, he just asks that we use our gifts of curiously, logic, and criticism to determine for ourselves what is true.


Free research essays on topics related to: chaucer, pardoner, clergy, canterbury tales, friar

Research essay sample on Man Of The Cloth Joining The Clergy Chaucer

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