Characters And Irony In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer, born in 1342, gained major recognition for his work on The Canterbury Tales. This book of poetry involves a collection of Tales of pilgrims going on a journey to the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket, as was a tradition at that time. Chaucer’s pilgrims represent people belonging to all the levels of status in the society of 14th century. Chaucer does not discriminate with his characters; rather presents a characteristically true picture of them. His presentation of characters is not only perceptive, but also descriptive. He gives a vivid detail of their nature, habits and even their attire that they prefer to adorn themselves with. Chaucer’s tone in The Canterbury Tales is mostly ironical. The irony in the characters is extended not only towards women, but also towards the male representatives of the society. Examples of which can be found in the character of The Monk,
“The reule of Seint Maure or of Seint Beneit
By cause that it was old and somdel streit
This ikle Monk leet olde thynges pace,
And heeld after the newe world the space” (173,174,175,176) As well as, among others, in the female character of …show more content…
I seigh his sleves purfiled at the hond
With grys, and that the fyneste of a lond;” (191,192,193,194) The Frair is also one of Chaucer’s humor related characters, for he is bestowed with the best of things despite being a beggar. He mingled with people of higher status which was beneficial for his business. People gave him alms generously to have their sins forgiven and he had the art to make them believe that the more generously they give charity to him, the more sins of that person would be forgiven. He did not associate himself with the paupers of the town for it reaped him no rewards.
“For unto swich a worthy man as he
Acorded nat, as by his facultee,
To have with sike lazars aqueyntaunce.
It is nat honest, it may not avaunce,”