The Friar And The Parson In The Canterbury Tales

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The Friar and The Parson “Some nine and twenty in a company of sundry folk happening then to fall in fellowship, and they were pilgrims all that towards Canterbury meant to ride” (lines 24- 27). From the Canterbury Tales, Chaucer includes the two characters, the Friar and the Parson, to go along with the others on the journey. The Friar and the Parson were both similar and different in many ways. Readers can compare the two by examining their unique jobs, personalities, and the viewpoint of Chaucer on the characters. The Parson’s job was as priest. He did his best to fulfill the priestly duties. He was dedicated and never wavered from his responsibilities. Line 501 says “Yet he neglected not in rain or thunder, in sickness or in grief, to pay a call on the remotest, whether great or small.” The Parson was well know through his good and plentiful works. The parson would preach the gospel, give to the poor, and served as a perfect example of the Good Shepherd (lines 491-511). The Friar was also a …show more content…

His tone for the Parson was that of respect. Because of the Parson’s ethical actions he was more well liked. In the Canterbury Tales Chaucer said only good things about the Parson. Chaucer also highlighted the Parson’s many glowing attributes such as his wisdom, patience, and holiness. He explained the Parson as “a holy-minded man of good renown” in line 487. The Parson is an overall better person than the Friar. Chaucer used a more scornful attitude towards the Friar. Further along in the story Chaucer exposed the Friar’s true intents and unholy lifestyle. The Friar is corrupt because of his excessive love of wealth. Chaucer shows how the Friar is not really fit for his holy position, a member of the church, throughout the passage. “Of his position, dealing with a scum of wretched lepers; nothing good an come of dealings with the sum-and-gutter dwellers, but only with the rich and victual-sellers.” (lines

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