Satire in The Canterbury Tales
| ← The Hurricane movie | Representation Changes the Story → |
The Canterbury Tales is a perfect example of Chaucer’s methods of using satire to criticize certain estates and show moral degradation of some characters. He uses different forms of satire, both mild and very expressive, but the general purpose of this device is the same – to highlight the negative aspects of human character and with the help of satirical descriptions of people’s actions to expose stupidity and vices of the society in general.
Chaucer frequently uses satire on the clergy. In the “General Prologue” he pays much attention to the behavior of the Prioress and the Friar. Although the Prioress seems to be more sophisticated and educated than the Friar, she is much more interested in behaving like a court lady than a nun. Chaucer (n.d.) writes, “A little mouse caught in a trap would be enough to make her cry”. The writer highlights the same qualities, inappropriate for a church person, in the Friar saying that no one “was a better one at idle talk” and suggesting that he may have some affair with “the worthy women of the town” (Chaucer, n.d.).
In addition to criticizing the church, Chaucer uses his satire to expose the vices of common people. It is especially evident in “The Pardoner’s tale. The writer argues that for all estates greed is one of the most corrosive sins. In fact, the Pardoner is a very greedy person and criticizing the way the youths live – “their parties, gambling, brothels, bars” – he shows an extreme degree of hypocrisy (Chaucer, n.d.). The satire in “General Prologue” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” is slightly more playful and subtle. It mostly relates to some social and interpersonal aspects of common people’s lives.
To conclude, Chaucer mainly uses satire in The Canterbury Tales to expose the corruption that is prevalent in the society. He shows the vices of the church representatives, such as the Prioress and the Friar. The writer also criticizes the lowest estate – common people, such as the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner for their greed and hypocrisy.
Buy a successful paper on any topic you need!
|
Quincy S.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
|
You guys did a super job on my paper. The work definitely exceeded my expectations and eased my anxiety. This was the first time I had hired a writing service. The transaction was seamless. I would use you guys again in a heartbeat! No questions asked. You’re the best, hands down. |
||
|
Lonnie K.
Falcon Crest, MA
|
|
|
I work very long hours. Therefore, I sometimes run behind in my school assignments. This is especially true for the long written assignments. It is so great to know that I can always count on EssaysEmpire.com to help me out. The papers that I buy from you are excellent, without fail. I really appreciate your help . Thanks for everything. |
||
|
Gaia W.
Lexington, OK
|
|
|
EssaysEmpire.com gets an A+ for being the best writing service a student could ever ask for! Thank you for your continued high quality work, guys. I have purchased 6 papers from you over the last two years and they have been exquisite in their workmanship and content. I really appreciate how hard you guys work to please your customers. I’m not surprised that you are reported to be the best writing company online or off. To me, you are exactly that. |
||
|
Hannah B.
Tulsa, OK
|
|
|
I am happy. I am happy because I got an A+ on my research paper. I did this by hiring the professional writers at EssaysEmpire.com to write it for me. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Thanks, EssaysEmpire.com! |
||
|
Mark M.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
|
The paper I ordered from EssaysEmpire.com is incomparable! Thanks for doing such stellar work. I have recommended your services to a few other folks who plan to try you out soon. EssaysEmpire.com gets my vote for best writing service every time. |
||
|
Jeff M.
Baltimore, MD
|
|
|
I would like to commend your excellent writers for a job well done. They followed my directions to a tee. Thank you, EssaysEmpire.com for being who you are and for doing what you do. There is no better writing service anywhere. |
||
|
Nancy T.
Little Rock, AR
|
|
|
The quality of the work produced by your professional writers is second to none. No wonder you have the reputation for being the best writing service online! You certainly met up to all of my expectations! You’re the best, for sure. |
||
|
Jaffar M.
Salt Lake City, UT
|
|
|
My sincere thanks for a job well done. My professor loved my paper and commended me for handing in the one that your writing service helped me with. The paper flowed very well. It was logical and intelligent-sounding. I was very pleased overall. |
||
|
Tiffany E.
Monroe, LA
|
|
|
I am 100% satisfied with the writer that you assigned to my project. This person understood exactly what I needed, even though I’m not the best communicator and the instructions were tedious and difficult. I felt certain I would have to send my paper back for a number of revisions, but I didn’t. The writer was able to convey exactly what I wished to express and he did it in record time!Thanks for everything. EssaysEmpire.com is the greatest! |
||
|
Celine H.
Calistoga, CA
|
|
|
Thanks for doing a great job on a paper that was an important part of my semester. You guys rock! |
||
|
Katy A.
London, England
|
|
|
Your writers are very good at what they do. I would recommend your service to anyone. It is impressive and it doesn’t cost too much. |
||
|
Kathy M.
Las Cruces, NM
|
|
|
To EssaysEmpire.com: Thank you for my outstanding paper. When I read it, I knew that I would get an A+ on it. Also, thanks for adding all of the pertinent details that I asked you to customize. You did a brilliant job. Just brilliant. |
||
|
Tom J.
Jackson, MI
|
|
|
Many thanks to your writers and customer service representatives for helping me get through a very difficult time in my college career. I needed writing assistance and your crew came through for me, big time! My papers were written impeccably. Thanks so much! |
||
|
Ohjasi O.
Tokyo, JP
|
|
|
The essay that your writers turned out for me far exceeded what I was expecting. It even came with a plagiarism report to prove that it was original. The customer service center was the picture of perfection, too. I loved everything about using EssaysEmpire.com and plan to use your services again. You are one class act! |
||
|
Steve Y.
Ft. Worth, TX
|
|
|
I would just like to say that I am tremendously happy with the two papers that were written for me by the EssaysEmpire.com writers. They were just what I ordered….only better. |
||
|
James C.
New Orleans, LA
|
|
|
I am required to do more writing this semester that I possibly have time for. Right after class, I have to go straight to my job. It’s a good thing I have EssaysEmpire.com to help me out with the writing. You guys always do such excellent work. Thanks! |
||
|
Fred H.
Berkeley, CA
|
|
|
Thank you for doing what you do. You helped a lot of my friends, and now you have helped me. You provide a valuable service to students who need to get over writing hurdles. |
||
|
Alexandra Z.
Dallas, TX
|
|
|
I am sitting here reading over what your writing service offers and I just realized that you are the only one that offers free rewrites and full guarantees on your work. This tells me that you are an honest company that I want to do business with. |
||
|
Ren B.
Sparks, NV
|
|
|
I ordered two papers from you at once. Both of them had strict deadlines and not that much time left. Your writers managed to get both papers to me on time, and both of them received high marks. I am so happy about this! |
||
|
Melissa C.
Rochester, NY
|
|
|
I am completely satisfied with the paper I purchased from your company. I only wish I had known about you last year when I took an F grade for not being able to complete a paper on time. The work you did was marvelous. Whenever I find myself falling behind in my school work, I will be sure to pass along some of my more difficult written assignments to you |
||