PARODY

 Page 22 1. It’s crucial to think about whether a character is idealized or flawed. In the Canterbury Tales, ideal characters are those who do their job; flawed characters don’t: they are corrupt and hypocritical. A. Use a dictionary or other reference to answer these questions: what is a Friar and what is his job description? B. What demeanor and values should we expect from such a person? 2. Think about puns, or plays on words, and the ambiguity (multiple meanings) of language as you consider this question. In Chaucer’s time the meanings of “wantowne” (208) and “licenciat” (220) or licentious, could mean that the Friar is “wantowne” in the sense of merry or wanton and “licenciat” could mean licensed to hear confessions and offer forgiveness or that he is licentious. A. Use a dictionary to provide the negative definition of wanton. B. Use a dictionary to provide a negative definition of licentious. C. The editor of the Riverside Chaucer, which is the definitive edition of Chaucer’s works, provides one definition of “wantowne” and one of “licenciat,” but clearly two apply. Were you editor, would you have provided both definitions? Why? 3. We learn that it’s “esy” to get “penaunce” from the Friar (222). A. What is penance? B. Should it be easy for sinners to receive penance? 4. A. Instead of asking for “wepynge” or “preyerses” from sinners seeking forgiveness, what does the Friar request? B. For what purposes, charitable and selfish, could a person collect such things? C. What are the potentials for corruption attached to such practices? 5. Why is it both potentially redeeming and degrading for a Friar to know “wel the taverns in every toun” (246). 6. A. Which type of people in society need our help most? B. Why can’t “sike” lepers and poor people help the Friar to advance, according to his General prologue description? C. In what ways should and shouldn’t a Friar to try advance himself? 7. A. The Friar is “Curteis” and eager to “servyse” which class of people? B. What does this suggest about him, especially in contrast with his reluctance to associate with the sick and the poor? 8. A. What do we learn about the Friar’s clothes? B. How does the description of his clothes imply that he is a flawed, hypocritical character? 9. What is Friar Huberd’s special talent and favorite hobby?