Canterbury Tales Character Analysis - 1988 Words

The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a collection of tales and prologues of stories told by many characters whilst on a pilgrimage to the city of Canterbury. From religious figures such as nuns, monks and pardoners; to doctors, cooks and millers, this pilgrimage embarked on by many interesting people with stories that range from inspiring to gruesome. A few of the most predominant stories include those of the Prioress, the Summoner, the Wife of Bath, the Miller, and the Reeve. In these tales, Chaucer uses motifs such as karma, greed, religion, and social division in attempts to tie together stories that are seemingly all unrelated. It is also clear after reading each tale that common human interactions stated in these stories,†¦show more content†¦The answer itself, â€Å"A woman wants the self-same sovereignty†¦ her husband†¦he must not be above her.† (p.286) proves the possible reasoning behind why the Queen wished to override the King’s or ders. It is then said, â€Å"Maid, wife and widow cried, â€Å"He’s saved his life!†Ã¢â‚¬  (p.286); followed with the old woman’s exclamation to the Queen that the Knight received his answer from her. These series of events shows the complete oblivion to the severity of the rape case, that both men and women easily overlooked the Knight’s wrongdoings. Chaucer uses irony, in the sense that he is conveying the idea that women want power equal or over men, yet are in a way contradicting their demands by aiding a rapist. The tale seems to make more sense as we read on, where the old woman scolds the Knight for judging her based on her age and wealth, â€Å"You’re old, and so abominably plain, so poor to start with, so low-bred to follow;† (p.288) seeming that the woman’s status and suitability as a good wife is an accurate representation of her worth. This is a theme implemented by Chaucer, where a women’s worth is determined, by both men and women, by how well they can please a man; this then essentially becomes one of, if not the most important goal in life. Chaucer also applies serious conflict to this tale, whether in the fact that we cannot understand the role of women and power dynamics, or the idea that the Knight is not only saved, but rewarded at the endShow MoreRelatedCanterbury Tales Character An alysis981 Words   |  4 PagesUpon first reading of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the reoccurring theme of social status is not blatantly obvious. Upon further reading, however, it becomes apparent that it in fact plays large role in most of the aspects of the tales. In both the Wife of Bath’s Tale and the Nun’s Priest Tale, social status plays a role in the plot, characters, and themes in order to more effectively portray the messages Chaucer is trying to get across. 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