Put your money on Chaucer over Shakespeare

I read this beautiful poem a couple months ago in my literature class. It have never liked poems, but this one really hit the spot. I can state boldly that anyone who is going to read about something regarding british literature, will love this poem hands down. So here are my two cents about three of the characters, Chaucer uses to depicts.

The poem, The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, blends the different castes and characters of the medieval period, hence, revealing the culture of the times. Whether it is the righteous Parson, the content Franklin, or the outdoorsy Monk, The Canterbury Tales unveils the different elements of people. Chaucer is so masterful in the art of characterization that he is able to precisely depict the people of his time. On the other hand, Chaucer never directly tells of his approval or disapproval towards the characters. Chaucer's mixture of characterization regarding Parson, Franklin, and Monk, implant The Canterbury Tales with a detailed representation of life during the Middle Ages.
Though the Parson is not rich, his wealth of virtue is an example to the true Christian believers of his time. For instance, when the corruption of the church was widespread, Chaucer excludes the Parson's behavior as "one of cleanness, how the sheep should live" (516). Chaucer directly states how the Parson is a man of goodwill and integrity. The depiction of a clean clergyman is rather rare in the Middle Ages due to the known dishonesty within the church. Likewise, while the Parson preached, he followed the principle, that first he wrought and afterward he taught" (507). As a clergyman he needed to prove his worthiness as a man of virtue by obeying his own guidelines. This stands in clear contrast to the Pardoner whose spirituality is completely overlapped by his avarice. Moreover, Chaucer shapes the Parson into a shepherd who, "stayed at home and watched over his fold" (522). Chaucer compares the Parson to Jesus, drawing people into a life of virtue and wholeness. The respectable identity of the Parson is rather unexpected by Chaucer in that no bit of sarcasm was used to discredit the Parson. The Parson truly is a man of character who looks out for his people.
As the Parson strived for humbleness, the Franklin enjoyed life to its boundaries. As an elder of great wealth, the Franklin, "lived for pleasure…for he was Epicures' very son" (345-346). Chaucer generates a content man living in the middle class during a time where detail was given to rank and status. This pleasure seeker believes in virtue and modesty, which even in contemporary times is hard to come by. Accordingly, the Franklin shares his mass possessions by making, "his household free to all the county" (350). Chaucer uses the following element to attest to the Franklin's happiness in life. Quite comfortable with what he has, the Franklin shows no resistance towards guarding his wealth. Accordingly, as the sheriff of the people, Chaucer adds that the Franklin "was the model among landed gentry" (370). Chaucer wraps up his view of the Franklin by recognizing him as a rich yet generous person. While not of noble birth, he uses his well standing in public to assist those who seek his charity. In the Franklin, Chaucer develops a man seeking pleasure through subtle means, while still giving to others.
The Monk's lack of interest towards the monastic life prevents him from ever appreciating its purpose. Even though Chaucer describes the Monk as "a fat and personable priest," Chaucer uses irony to distort the Monk's image (204). Normally monks are excluded from worldly affairs, thus the idea of a fat, personable priest is quite awkward. Chaucer points this out as one the sources of irony throughout the life of the Monk. Besides, Chaucer makes a point out of the fact that the Monk, "let go by the things of yesterday and took the modern world's more spacious way" (179-180). While still in the clergy, the Monk does not feel the monastic life of poverty and self-deprecation applies to him. Instead he takes up hunting as a sport he cherishes dearly. Consequently, Chaucer is the first to apparently sympathize with the Monk, asking, "was [the Monk] to leave the world upon the shelf?" (191). Clearly an act of irony, the Monk is supposed to be cut off from the world. Chaucer uses this irony to humiliate the Monk's outrageous behavior. Chaucer's Monk symbolizes the unfortunate state of the church during the Middle Ages.
While at times satirical, the poem, The Canterbury Tales, builds upon the embedded medieval influences of the times. Each character points out a unique aspect of life. For example, while the Parson and the Franklin both are giving people, the Monk is one of self-gratification. Although, the Franklin and the Monk both seek pleasure in their lives, the Parson draws people toward Christianity. Finally, the Parson and Monk both are considered clergy, while the Franklin is the sheriff of his town. Such mixtures of different points of view create an exclusive view upon the society during the time of Geoffrey Chaucer.