How Does Chaucer Use Social Commentary In The Canterbury Tales

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The words on the paper are much more than the black and white story that they are perceived to be; rather it is actually a colorful description of something deeper. Authors usually try to get their deeper message across to the audience in a creative way, such as using social commentary, to talk about issues in society. On the journey from London to Canterbury, Chaucer describes many characters in different social classes and uses them to illustrate various aspects of the general public. In Chaucer’s description of his characters, he explains how well of a representation they are for their profession. In the 14th century narrative poem, “Canterbury Tales” written by Geoffery Chaucer, it is made clear that his work depicted the corruption of jobs in the 1300’s.…show more content…
Keep in mind that because she did not do her job well, does not mean she was a bad person. It was said by Chaucer that the Prioress was a beautiful lady who had an interest in jewelry. “She wore a coral trinket on her arm, / A set of beads, the gaudies tricked in green, / Whence hung a golden brooch of brightest sheen” (line 161-164). Because she had no interest in being a Prioress, she most likely did not have an option about what she wanted to do. If your father was a nobleman, he gave his daughters money and land as a wedding gift. If there were three or four daughters, by the last one, he may not want to give up anymore, so he forces them to be a nun. When one is forced into doing something, the work may not be done properly because there is no motivation. Besides the fact that she depicts the occupation as a Prioress to be corrupt, she tries to be dainty and courtly, as her manners were well taught. This simply means that she was a good person, just not good at what she

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