Chaucer's main criticism about his contemporaries in society during the Middle Ages is their hypocrisy and corruption, as well as their obsession with material possessions and social status. He criticizes their lack of moral values and the stark contrast between their outward appearance and inner selves. Chaucer uses the character of the Pardoner, a church official who sells indulgences, to illustrate his criticism. The Pardoner is depicted as a corrupt and deceitful individual who preaches against greed and avarice, while he himself is guilty of those very sins. He specifically mentions that he sells fake relics to unsuspecting people, mocking their faith and willingness to believe in such supernatural artifacts. This character shows the hypocrisy of the church and the corruption within the religious institution during that time.
Another character that highlights Chaucer's criticism is the Summoner. The Summoner is responsible for summoning people to ecclesiastical court hearings, but he is portrayed as being morally corrupt. Chaucer describes the Summoner's appearance in a grotesque way, with a face full of sores and pimples, suggesting his inner corruption. In addition, the Summoner is shown as being easily bribed, accepting wine and money in exchange for looking the other way when it comes to the sins of those he is supposed to accuse. This portrayal reflects the pervasive corruption within the legal system and the blatant disregard for justice during that period.
Overall, through these character portrayals and others in the prologue, Chaucer criticizes the hypocrisy, moral corruption, and materialism that characterized his contemporaries in Middle Ages society. He exposes the deceit and lack of true faith in those who were supposed to be upholding religious and moral values, highlighting the need for reform and a return to genuine spirituality and virtue.
The Prologue to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is an introduction of all different "pilgrims" on the journey. Each comes from different walks of life. Some are wealthy, some are poor, some are moral, and others are corrupt. Identify Chaucer's main criticism about his contemporaries in society during the Middle Ages. In 8-10 sentences explain, using examples of at least 2 of the pilgrims described in the Prologue, how their portrayals show Chaucer's point.
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