Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of The Canterbury Tales, used five methods of characterizations to portray characters in the tale. The methods focused on a central characteristic, touchstone line, use of physiognomy, use of hyperbole, and use of incongruous or inappropriate details. The first method of central characteristic explained an overview of the character such as personality and occupation. The second method of touchstone line provided an impression such that it drew an image of the character. The third method of use of physiognomy focused on the details of character’s physical attributes because Chaucer believed physical attributes decide one’s interior. The fourth method of use of hyperbole constructed partial view towards the character.
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Chaucer introduced Prioress with his five methods of characterization. Prioress’ central characteristic was that she was very secular, unlike her duty as a nun. Different from other nuns during the time period, she adorned herself with several jewelries. According to the Prologue on page 7, Chaucer described her fashion, “Her cloak, I noticed, has a graceful charm” and “on which there first was golden brooch of brightest sheen/On which there first was graven a crowned A,/ And lower, Amor vincit omnia.” A nun is a religious person who devoted herself to God and goodness of people; however, she concentrated more on her beauty. A touchstone lines of Prioress were, “Her greatest oath was only ‘By St Loy!” (6). The lines provided an essence of dignity. As the oath was made to St. Loy who was a saint who had faultless manner, it could be implied that she regard manner to be crucial. Prioress was a woman who believed manner to be a priority that she needs to be mannerly all the time. Other quotes further explained her fixation on dignity. “Pleasant and friendly in her ways, and straining/ To counterfeit a courtly kind of grace” (6). Prioress pretended to be generous and amicable, while she quite did not have those qualities so that she could be polite and …show more content…
The reason for Prioress to go on this pilgrimage might be to look holy. The destination of the pilgrimage was the shrine of Thomas a Becket. Since the purpose of the pilgrimage was religious, she could have thought she would look like a holy nun, devoted to God and the church. She would think that she is a good nun as she did not realize how secular she was instead of religious. Chaucer disapproved her because most of the descriptions were negative and portrayed her as a nun who ignored her duty as a nun. Description of Prioress in the Prologue made by Chaucer had a combination of positive aspects and negative aspects of her; however, the positive aspects could be interpreted as a satire. Chaucer intentionally provided good traits about her in order to mock. According to Chaucer, Prioress might have faults of disobeying her oath as a nun since she fed her dogs with fine foods, while other people were starving. Also, she wore lavish jewelries when nuns are supposed to be humble and simple. Based on the description of her characteristics and behaviors, it could be inferred that medieval England could have been an admirable place as a member of the church. She was given an authority, fine meals, and luxurious life. Although she did not fulfill her obligation, she was not
Chaucer introduced Prioress with his five methods of characterization. Prioress’ central characteristic was that she was very secular, unlike her duty as a nun. Different from other nuns during the time period, she adorned herself with several jewelries. According to the Prologue on page 7, Chaucer described her fashion, “Her cloak, I noticed, has a graceful charm” and “on which there first was golden brooch of brightest sheen/On which there first was graven a crowned A,/ And lower, Amor vincit omnia.” A nun is a religious person who devoted herself to God and goodness of people; however, she concentrated more on her beauty. A touchstone lines of Prioress were, “Her greatest oath was only ‘By St Loy!” (6). The lines provided an essence of dignity. As the oath was made to St. Loy who was a saint who had faultless manner, it could be implied that she regard manner to be crucial. Prioress was a woman who believed manner to be a priority that she needs to be mannerly all the time. Other quotes further explained her fixation on dignity. “Pleasant and friendly in her ways, and straining/ To counterfeit a courtly kind of grace” (6). Prioress pretended to be generous and amicable, while she quite did not have those qualities so that she could be polite and …show more content…
The reason for Prioress to go on this pilgrimage might be to look holy. The destination of the pilgrimage was the shrine of Thomas a Becket. Since the purpose of the pilgrimage was religious, she could have thought she would look like a holy nun, devoted to God and the church. She would think that she is a good nun as she did not realize how secular she was instead of religious. Chaucer disapproved her because most of the descriptions were negative and portrayed her as a nun who ignored her duty as a nun. Description of Prioress in the Prologue made by Chaucer had a combination of positive aspects and negative aspects of her; however, the positive aspects could be interpreted as a satire. Chaucer intentionally provided good traits about her in order to mock. According to Chaucer, Prioress might have faults of disobeying her oath as a nun since she fed her dogs with fine foods, while other people were starving. Also, she wore lavish jewelries when nuns are supposed to be humble and simple. Based on the description of her characteristics and behaviors, it could be inferred that medieval England could have been an admirable place as a member of the church. She was given an authority, fine meals, and luxurious life. Although she did not fulfill her obligation, she was not