Friar Canterbury

Chaucer’s attitude towards the friar is one of sarcasm. The friar is "wanton and merry," but this pleasant-sounding description is actually packed with mockery. By the 14th century, friars, who were supposed to give up all worldly things and live only by begging for food and alms, were almost totally corrupt. They were known for flattering the rich and deceiving the poor, and especially for seducing women in outright disregard for their vow of …showed first 75 words of 474 total…

…showed last 75 words of 474 total…sound more appealing, presumably to women, “he lisped a little out of wantonness, to make his English sweet upon his tongue.” Chaucer’s last line of description is the final underlining irony, “This worthy’s name was Hubert” because it is obvious that the friar is not “worthy” in the same way the Knight is worthy. It is clear that Hubert is everything that a friar shouldn't be: corrupt, rich, greedy, and lecherous. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**