Chaucer's View on the Church, as evident in "The Canterbury Tales"
             By analyzing "The Canterbury Tales", one can conclude that Chaucer did see the merits of the church, but by no means regarded it in a wholly positive light. Whereas some of the clergy are viewed as devout and God-fearing, others are viewed as con- men and charlatans. One can even venture to say that Chaucer was using this story as somewhat of a criticism of the church, showing the flaws of its leaders and the greed that permeated it at the time.
             The Prioress is portrayed as a simple, gracious, and charitable woman. The author does seem to hold a sympathetic view towards her, as he makes a point of extolling her virtues and neglecting to mention any of her flaws. The Parson is also painted as a decent and sincere fellow, who has no agenda other than to serve the Lord whom he loves with all his heart. Chaucer seems more ambivalent towards the cleric, a rather boring fellow. The description of the cleric led me to theorize that perhaps his intentions on joining the clergy were not primarily to serve the church, but as a means to receive an education. He is portrayed as having an insatiable lust for knowledge, and in that time period, joining the clergy was pretty much the only way to acquire an education and have access to books and other learning tools.
             Both the Pardoner and the Friar are portrayed as quick-thinking charlatans. Chaucer does seem to admire the Pardoner's skill, and skilled he is, but his actions do not befit a man of the cloth. The Pardoner is spoken of as using bogus relics to con "poor up-country parsons" out of their hard-earned cash. These small hustles netted him "more in a day than the parson in a month or two". When choosing his occupation, I'm sure the Pardoner did not see the light of the lord but rather, dollar signs. Chaucer goes on to say th...