Friar in Canterbury Tales Essay -- essays papers

Friar in Canterbury Tales 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 celibacy. Chaucer's Friar, Hubert, is a "limiter," one who is licensed to beg in a certain area. He's married off women â€Å"giving each of his young women what he could afford her† which implies that he seduced them first. He's â€Å"highly believed and intimate† with â€Å"country folk within his boundary and city dames† of ...