Why is it that individuals find it important to judge one another based on their socioeconomic status? Why do higher ranked people use their class rank as a way to obtain power, in contrast to those lower than them? Could it be because of one’s personal family background, race, religion, economic influence, ethnicity or gender? What specific traits categorize someone as a part of the “bourgeoisie,” “proletariat” or “aristocracy?” One can easily learn and understand about this subject by reading Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Friar’s Tale. Throughout this tale it is evident how upper class characters abuse their power to divide and discriminate against individuals of lower hierarchy. The Friar’s Tale, similar to The Reeve’s Tale, appears to be existent
