The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer, is incredibly multi-layered despite its simple plot. The story involves a contest among thirty pilgrims to determine who is the most worthy storyteller while traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. This contest is proposed and judged by Harry Baily, the owner of a Southwark tavern where the journey begins. The Canterbury Tales is an ironic piece because each tale told reveals an intimate trait or view of the character speaking. Chaucer never had the chance to finish The Canterbury Tales before he died in 1400. He intended to have each pilgrim tell two tales each way of the journey and therefore, have one hundred twenty tales. Despite their abrupt end, The Canterbury Tales depict the people of Medieval times accurately, especially the extremely corrupted clergy. The Prioress, Madam Eglantyne, is a prime example of a tainted clergy member. However, her "Tale" is full of heavenly praise and prayerful reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Prioress is certain she is telling a highly moral tale, when, in fact, her "Tale" tells of the persecution of and prejudice toward Jewish people. For this reason the Prioress' Tale is very appropriate to her lifestyle and her character because it serves as a mirror to her true identity and morals.
             Chaucer portrays Madam Eglantyne, the Prioress, as a very good-looking woman. "Her nose was elegant, her eyes glass-gray/ her mouth was very small but soft and red/ her forehead, certainly, was fair of spread" (Chaucer 156-58). The Prioress is also very full-chested, with smooth skin and fashionable clothing. This suggests an aspect of sexuality, or at the least a liking of attention for her outward appearance. Madam Eglantyne carries with her small dogs she keeps as pets. "And she had little dogs she would be feeding/ with roasted flesh, or milk, or fine wine bread" (Chaucer 150-52) are the lines in which Chaucer proves Madam Eglantyn...