Why does Chaucer include both positive and negative representations of people from different estates in The Canterbury Tales? Give one example of a...

Since Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Talesas an estate satire, he pokes fun at certain people belonging to the three estates in England: (First Estate) the clergy, (Second Estate) the nobility, and (Third Estate) the merchants and peasantry. In his work, Chaucer also satirizes the abuses of the various classes, particularly the clergy, that existed in England at the time. Chaucer's humor is in play with the descriptions of certain pilgrims, such as the Wife...

Since Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales as an estate satire, he pokes fun at certain people belonging to the three estates in England: (First Estate) the clergy, (Second Estate) the nobility, and (Third Estate) the merchants and peasantry. In his work, Chaucer also satirizes the abuses of the various classes, particularly the clergy, that existed in England at the time. Chaucer's humor is in play with the descriptions of certain pilgrims, such as the Wife of Bath, the Miller, and the Franklin. But, Chaucer also wishes to present others, especially the ordinary man who is easily recognized but rarely praised for his virtue.

One negative representation of a person is apparent in the description of the Prioress (the Nun), who is a member of the First Estate. When people enter the religious life, they take vows; one of these vows is that of poverty and another is chastity. However, the Prioress appears to have violated these vows because she wears a cloak that is well made with "a graceful charm." On her arm, she wears "a coral trinket," and instead of a plain rosary, the nun has a set of large green beads.

Whence hung a golden brooch of brightest sheen
On which there first was graven a crowned A,
And lower, Amor vincit omnia. ("Love conquers all)

These items display her vanity and enjoyment of costly material possessions. The brooch may have been a gift from a paramour.

A positive representation is that of the Plowman from the Third Estate. He is described as "an honest worker," who lives in "peace and perfect charity." He truly loves his neighbor, and he helps the poor whenever he can. Faithfully, this man

paid his tithes in full when they were due
On what he owned, and on his earnings too.

He loves God "with all his heart, / No mater how his own life ran." He works for his neighbors, "digging and pouring" without pay for any man who needs his help. He pays his tithes to the church through his labor and his goods.