The Canterbury Tales

Two characters from the church group in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales that have vastly different views on religious beliefs and morals in the story are the Parson and the Nun. Both have a true devotion to the church in their beliefs but spread and life these morals much differently. Chaucer’s description and comparison of these two characters explains they can be two totally different people while being part of the same discipline. They can feel a certain way while acting a different way conflicting their feelings.

The Parson in the story is perhaps the best overall character in the story because of the way that he lives the life he preaches and tries to spread what he knows to others. He represents the good that the church promotes by being a follower of Christ. Chaucer describes him as being “rich in holy thought and work.” There wasn’t anything about the Parson that made him a corrupt man. He truly cherished knowledge rather than material possessions. The Parson was a true and honest man who did everything the same way with honor and respect, the way things should be done. He represents the perfect example of one who lives to severe God and put others before themselves.

The Nun is a good example of a corrupt person in the church. She claims to be a follower of the church but does not live the life that a nun should live. She is constantly hypocritical in the story because she feels so strongly about things like nature and life while easily disregarding these feelings in other circumstances. A perfect example of this from the text is when Chaucer states “she used to weep if she saw a mouse caught in a trap, if it were dead or bleeding. And she had little dogs she would be feeding with roasted flesh, or milk, or fine white bread. And bitterly she wept if one were dead.” The nun is portrayed as being disloyal to the church’s teachings in her actions.