Geoffrey Chaucer uses the character characteristics of clergy to illustrate the ideal character in The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. Chaucer’s clergy members display ideal characteristics like generosity, righteousness, servitude. Chaucer identifies the ideal, self-centered clergymen by examining their lifestyles.
Chaucer introduces several clergymen in The Prologue. However, the Parson is the most notable of them all. He is a clergyman who is honest and generous. The Parson is a true gentleman, and unlike other corrupt clergymen, he shows genuine care and love for his neighbours. Through his extraordinary deeds, Chaucer admires the Parson’s generosity. The Parson shows that he is not limited by his material possessions and gives freely. Jesus Christ taught us that “if thou willt be perfect…give unto the poor” (Matthew 20:21). The Parson not only rejects materialistic secularism but is also a man who will give to the poor and less fortunate. The Parson is portrayed as a man of great faith and generosity, following Christ’s teaching about sharing one’s possessions among others. Chaucer contrasts the friar’s abhorrent acts with this amazing spirit of generosity. Ludicrous and ironic, the idea that “one should give Silver for a Poor Friar’s Care” is not a way to weep and pray is absurd (line 223). The Friar is opposite the Parson who gave away his possessions. His detestable acts are a disgraceful display of the materialistic nature man and make him unworthy to be a friar. The Friar, who only loves himself and wants to get benefits from others, rebels against Christ’s teachings. The Friar refuses to give up his materialistic views. He only wants to live on the earth and not on heaven. A friar like this will surely die a miserable death and be condemned to eternal damnation in hell. Chaucer clearly points out that the Friar is not a man of ideal character when compared to Parson’s generous, giving nature. He embodies the Gospel teachings and has a generous spirit. He is a generous brother and sister who extends hospitality to those in need. The Parson’s kindness extends beyond his beliefs and thoughts to how he acts for others. The Parson is known for his unfailing love and devotion to his brothers. The Parson lives a life worthy respect and honoring his vows. The Monk on the other side “[tends] indifferent to” his vows. He instead follows “the modern day’s more spacious route” (lines 172, 174). Chaucer exposes the monk’s secular life and describes it as a man who doesn’t care about the monastery rules and indulges in worldly pleasures. Line 192 also states that the Monk is a fat-hunter who wears “fine gray fur, the finest of the land”. His appearance indicates that he is not following his vows to poverty and the monastery rules for staying in the monastery. The Monk’s fashion-conscious lifestyle is evidence of his hunting habit, which is something a monk should avoid. A result of his obesity the Monk has an unflattering image. He is a hypocrite and lives a different life than a monk who keeps his poverty vows. The Monk is a character who exemplifies the shameful and disregarded characteristics of medieval times. Palpably unlike the rebellious Monk and his tumultuous lifestyle, the Parson is a living example of his teachings. “If iron [rusts], how will it do?” (line 498) Parson believes that others must learn from his example how to live righteously. The Monk is hypocritical, but he doesn’t believe he can. While the Monk could make a living from hypocrisy, the Parson is willing to give up his life in order to follow his teachings.
Despite all of his notable traits, the Parson is best known for his simple devotion to service. He is a compassionate servant who cares for the less fortunate.
“He [is] not a mercenary but a shepherd / Holy & virtuous is he [is], except then/ Never contemptuous towards sinful men / Never dishonest, never too proud, or fine, / But [is] discrete in teaching and benign.” (line 510-514)
Chaucer suggests that the Parson is a trustworthy leader, willing to protect and defend the needy, despite any obstacles. The Parson is not like the Monk or Friar who are irresponsible hirehands. Instead, he is described as a shepherd who serves his sheep with zeal and shows no qualms about the difficult responsibility. He is the epitome of purity, a servant willing to serve others with an open heart and willingness to forgive and accept sinners. Chaucer’s day is marked by a strong belief in forgiveness. Matthew 6:14 teaches us to forgive others our trespasses. The Parson lives an honorable life and does not brag about his morality. He is humble, however, and continues to spread God’s Word with patience and love. The Parson is humble and sincere in his service to the church. This contrasts with the Pardoner, who has a pretensionate style. The Pardoner sings at the church but his main purpose is to “win silver” (line 719). Chaucer mocks the Pardoner’s iniquitous act. He suggests that this pretentious servitude is not guaranteed everlasting rewards in Heaven, but only temporary and material rewards like money. The iniquitous actions of the Pardoner are against Christianity’s belief that we should give up our earthly wealth. They also display a shameful and poor lifestyle. Chaucer contrasts sharply with the Parson’s character to establish the ideal standards for servitude by using his humble and true heart.
Chaucer clearly demonstrates the ideal character worthy honor and respect through careful description. He is generous and righteous in his Parson’s lives, particularly emphasizing how humble he is about servitude. Chaucer’s parsimony of the Parson serves to remind clergy members to keep their faith genuine and humble. Chaucer lived during a time when Church power and influence was dominant. His ideals reflect the Church’s teachings. Therefore, the Parson is a symbol of purity and devotion for a man who truly serves God. He is a perfect character that Chaucer can use to judge other people.
Chaucer portrays an ideal character and celebrates those with a spirit that gives, lives a life of righteousness and is humble. These essential qualities are what you need to build a morally and spiritually upright person. Chaucer depicts an ideal character, not just a fictional character from the past but one who is honest and upright in today’s world. While tales will fade over the years, moral standards can endure.
