Chaucers Canterbury Tales - The Character of the Parson...

The Character of the Parson of Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer is considered by many critics as the father of English literature. His literary masterpiece was The Canterbury Tales. In these tales, Chaucer writes about pilgrims who are on a journey to Canterbury. Each pilgrim has a tale that they tell on this journey. Chaucer expresses themes and messages through the characterization of each pilgrim. Through the Parson, one of the pilgrims, Chaucer is able to portray the life of a true Christian through the general prologue, prologue to the Parsons tale, and the Parsons tale itself. In the general prologue, Chaucer introduces the reader to the Parson. He is a holy-minded man of good renown (475). The†¦show more content†¦He is not seen as a high ranking, political clergy member. The Parson is a true example (501) of a genuine Christian living a Christ-like life. He, being learned (478), knew and taught the gospel. He was not hypocritical nor did scrupulosity (522) poison his character. Chaucer himself greatly admires the Parson saying, I [Chaucer] think there never was a better priest (520). Chaucer continues to praise and respect the Parson in the prologue to the Parsons tale. He writes on how the Parson declines not to tell a story, but rather to use the opportunity to preach to the other pilgrims. The Parson shows characteristics of living a Christian life through his efforts to spread the word. He chooses to enlighten the pilgrims of a true spiritual purpose rather than to entertain them with lavish stories. In addition, Chaucer shows how the Parson is clear-minded in the prologue. The Parson is continuously focused on spreading the gospel and is not distracted but material things. He chooses a life of servant hood and virtue over wealth, fame, and glory In the Parsons tale itself, Chaucer is able to present the Parsons understanding of the earthly life. Through the teaching of the seven deadly sins, the readers realize the impact of sin and its potential to poison spiritual life. The Parson show how wise and knowledgeable he is through his ethical teachings of the sins. He first warnsShow MoreRelatedThe Canterbury Tales : An Analysis Of Medieval Life By Geoffrey Chaucer939 Words   |  4 PagesCanterbury Tales: An Analysis of Medieval Life by Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales is strongly considered one of the greatest works in medieval literature. An admirer of Chaucer, and the author of Chaucer and the Fifteenth Century, H.S. 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