Dishonesty In The Canterbury Tales

The Medieval Ages, a period of time consumed by the established feudal system, was also an era of synthetic moral character among certain demographics. In the British classic, The Canterbury Tales, the author satirizes the lack of authenticity of certain peoples in his society. In order to share his views on the corruption of society, Chaucer creates characters that highlight the issues of different groups, including nobility and the church. Traditionally, the rich and powerful in a medieval society were considered the pinnacle of chivalry and piety. The nobility and the Catholic Church, however, began to diverge from their customary values. The Canterbury Tales highlights that the problem with society is not that all people are corrupt, but …show more content…
The church’s prevalent role in the medieval society lead to its abuse of power. The power and status hungry citizens were able to manipulate the feudal system through joining the church. The author writes of a fraudulent Friar who only convenes “anywhere a profit might accrue” (Chaucer 253). The occupation of the friar is to minister to and to take donations from the impoverished. The friar not only does his job for the profit, but he also does not do his job correctly. Chaucer is highlighting that some people who are joining the church are solely there for the profit, and it should be obvious to the rest of the church. The author is arguing that the Church has lowered its standards, so that the people working under it are able to manipulate the system for their financial gain. The author believes the Church no longer regulates their members to ensure good moral character. To add to his point, Chaucer describes the Pardoner to rely the message of the sinful nature of the church. The Pardoner is one who “make[s] a living out of—avarice” (Chaucer 170). Although his job is to pardon people from their sins, he even admits to working solely for the fiscal profit. He is consumed with him “love of worldly luxuries,” so that the selflessness and thoughtfulness of his job is completely disintegrated (Rogers 336). His greed drives him to guilt people into buying pardons, while pocketing the income. Chaucer lived in a culture that was focused on the church instead of the faith. He tries to challenge that idea, though characterization of church members, to illustrate to his readers that the church cannot be trusted. A drunkard and a manipulator, he is far less than