Topic > Observing true human nature

Humanity is ever-evolving and infinitely fascinating. People of different classes, roles, personalities and appearances majestically come together to form the human race in such a profound and meticulous way. In the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer portrays humanity with candor and openness when he describes all 29 pilgrims he had met on a journey to Canterbury. He tells his story by incorporating details about their social status, wealth, job and appearance. In Chaucer and the Energy of Creation, a critical response to Chaucer's novel, Edward I. Condren states: “To regard Chaucer as a reformer… is to overlook his evident love affair with the world he creates – a world he does not condemn, does not support , burdened with ideology, nor does it seek to improve, but a world that shows itself to be a dynamic, human, infinitely fascinating entity in itself. ”Consequently, Condren believes that Chaucer's intent was not one of reform, as he did not condemn, approve of, or seek to improve any element of society, but rather depicted the world as fascinating, dynamic, and humane. Similar to Condren's argument, Chaucer simply captures the entirety of medieval life by illuminating both the positive and negative traits of human beings. As a neutral realist, Chaucer does not describe life as glorious, nor does he wish to reform it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayChaucer exposes the negative aspects of life by describing the corrupt character traits of religious figures among the pilgrims. In lines 235-236 and 253-254 it is stated: “Therefore instead of crying and praying/Money should be given for the care of a poor friar…/But wherever it could yield a profit/He was courteous and also humble in his service… "(108-109). Although a friar is normally perceived as religious and thoughtful, this friar ironically cared about wealth and his personal gain more than he cared about goodwill. He helped others to earn money and earned himself from live by begging. The Pardoner was also described as not exemplary because of his dishonest actions. In lines 700-703 and 709-710 it is stated: “In one short day, with less money, he drew/More than the parson in a month or. two/And with his flattery and prevarications/Made monkeys of the priest and congregation…/And (well, he could have) won the silver from the crowd/That's why he sang so cheerfully and loudly” (Page 119-120). As one who sells grace, a Forgiver should be religious and have minimal sins. Ironically, however, the Pardoner was hypocritical and deceitful. Chaucer exposes evil and dishonesty in society by stating that the Pardoner mocked the priest and sang aloud to earn money. However, Chaucer adds positive character traits to neutralize his position. Chaucer evidently describes the negative aspects of society, but balances the negativity with other positive details. For example, in describing the nun, a prioress, Chaucer emphasizes her tender feelings and charitable heart. In lines 141-142 and 145-149 it states: “She was certainly very funny/ Pleasant and friendly in her ways, and tense…/And she seemed dignified in all her dealings/ As to her sympathies and her tender feelings / She was so charitably thoughtful / She would cry if she saw but a mouse / Caught in a trap, if it was dead or bleeding” (Page 106) Consequently, the nun is a suitable image for her role. She is kind, gentle, tender and caring. She is also characterized as pleasant, friendly, and understanding. Therefore, even though religious figures were described as corrupt, Chaucer balances the negativity with the positive traits of the nun…”