The Friar
The friar is a particularly interesting character who adds a bit of flavor to the motley bunch. On the one hand, he is a jovial, fun-seeking man who lives off of begging. On the other, he seems to use his religious post to his advantage, giving out easy penance to those who are able to donate money while ignoring beggars and lepers because they can offer him nothing. Overall, he was described as a very jolly and social man, popular with all the innkeepers and flirting as wantonly “as if he were a small puppy.” He seemed to enjoy a very lavish lifestyle, obtaining more money through his job than what his proper income should allow. During the Middle Ages, priests and friars were known for taking advantage of pious individuals by charging them in excess to “free their souls from perdition.” Penance was one of the the fund-raising schemes of the Catholic Church—the clerics preyed on pilgrims’ fears of hell to benefit financially.
The friar falls in line with the Prioress and the Monk, both of which are deceptive and indulge in flamboyant lifestyles. The Prioress’s manners try to emulate those of the royal court, as she attempts to redefine her own role and present herself as one of royalty. The Monk, on the other hand, abandons his monastic duties and lives like a lord. These three ironic characters serve as a foil to the Knight, the Squire, and the Yemen, who embody the values of loyalty and honor.
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