Sam Burton
Mrs. Tarpey
English 3
14 October 2015
Parson Power Many clergy fail to practice the very standards they teach. In the story "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer clearly displays this lack of respect for religious duty through the monk and friar. On the other hand Chaucer uses the parson to exemplify a priest who does practice what he preaches. Though the parson is a static character, his immutable morals reinforce his constant reputation as a Christ-like figure. Throughout the story we see the narrator give example after example of how the friar and monk constantly abuse their religious titles. The Monk lives a life of great wealth, enjoys hunting, and dresses in expensive furs. The Friar sells the Churches' repentance, a mortal sin in the christian church, along with dressing in a fancy robe. Instead of following sinful choices, the parson decided to live a life of great piety, preaching the Gospel and sacrificing personal comfort to guide Christian people. He explains this guidance by saying, "if gold ruste, what shal iren do?"(General Prologue 502). In this quote the Parson states that if a religious figure …show more content…
However, the Parson displays quite the opposite, living an extremely positive life as a static character. He never once lacks in or has doubts about his faith. Through this he shows that just because he didn't change as a character throughout the story, that does not mean he is a bad person. He disproves the common stereotype of a static character. The parson is a poor man, but he is rich in his thoughts and deeds. He was the greatest role model a man could be for his parishioners. He personally went out and visited each parishioner regularly, letting know how much he cared about them. The story says he even visited in horrible weather, showing his dedication. This life of poverty and extreme dedication to spreading the word of God portrays the parson as a Christ-like
Mrs. Tarpey
English 3
14 October 2015
Parson Power Many clergy fail to practice the very standards they teach. In the story "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer clearly displays this lack of respect for religious duty through the monk and friar. On the other hand Chaucer uses the parson to exemplify a priest who does practice what he preaches. Though the parson is a static character, his immutable morals reinforce his constant reputation as a Christ-like figure. Throughout the story we see the narrator give example after example of how the friar and monk constantly abuse their religious titles. The Monk lives a life of great wealth, enjoys hunting, and dresses in expensive furs. The Friar sells the Churches' repentance, a mortal sin in the christian church, along with dressing in a fancy robe. Instead of following sinful choices, the parson decided to live a life of great piety, preaching the Gospel and sacrificing personal comfort to guide Christian people. He explains this guidance by saying, "if gold ruste, what shal iren do?"(General Prologue 502). In this quote the Parson states that if a religious figure …show more content…
However, the Parson displays quite the opposite, living an extremely positive life as a static character. He never once lacks in or has doubts about his faith. Through this he shows that just because he didn't change as a character throughout the story, that does not mean he is a bad person. He disproves the common stereotype of a static character. The parson is a poor man, but he is rich in his thoughts and deeds. He was the greatest role model a man could be for his parishioners. He personally went out and visited each parishioner regularly, letting know how much he cared about them. The story says he even visited in horrible weather, showing his dedication. This life of poverty and extreme dedication to spreading the word of God portrays the parson as a Christ-like