Character Analysis Of The Canterbury Tales

"The Canterbury Tales," is the contrast of realistic and exaggerated qualities that is entitled to each of the characters in the story. When viewed more closely, we can determine whether each of the characters is convincing or questionable based on their personalities Chaucer has narrated. This essay will analyze the characteristics and personalities of The Wife of Bath, The Miller, The Monk, The Knight, and The Parson during the English fourteenth century from the most “sinful” to noble being.

“The Canterbury Tales” was written in the late fourteenth century by Geoffrey Chaucer. Chaucer was a courtier serving the Prince Lionel son of King Edward III. In the beginning of the fourteenth century the Black Plague destroyed Europe leaving the economy in a trench from the deaths and chaos. People started to revolt and “change their way of thinking”. During sometime Chaucer decided to make a book containing stories from Pilgrim’s going to Canterbury, England.

The Wife of Bath is a deaf lady married to five men. She is a seamstress by trade. “Hir coverchiefs ful fyne weren of ground; I dorste swere they weyeden ten pound.”(Chaucer, line 455). Religiously criticized by others. She loves being married and is an expert on the “art of love”. While she considers herself a religious person, her views are differ from the Scriptures, by believing that sexuality is not consider a sin. Having many husbands is not to brag about especially during this time period!

She is seductive to the men by teasing them for money. She has power over her husband when it comes to sex: "But bed time above all is their misfortune; that is the place to scold and to importune and baulk their fun. I would never abide in bed with them if hands began to slide Till they ...

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... is shocking was the clothing the Knight was wearing as Chaucer had mentioned. His clothing was plain, ragged, and bland. Knights of such stature has armor and clothes made from the finest silk and material. But not this Knight, and that he is a humble Knight.

The Parson was a poor man but with a tremendous amount of religious spirit. He has always done honest work and shows others what is capable when you believe in the Scriptures. He does not like to beg or be given money to. He is just a peaceful man, and is willing to help others in need. “But rather wolde he yeven, out of doute,” (Chaucer, Line 489).

With the five characters listed and analyzed the motif is “Not all that glitters is gold.” Even though the three characters had happiness and wealth, deep inside they were miserable. Yet the last two were considered the noble, trustworthy, and loving characters.