CANTERBURY TALES (II): WHAT A CHARACTER!

The Friar

• friars were pledged to a life of poverty, so they aren't so pious
• Chaucer uses indirect characterization and allusion to the time period when the friar introduces himself as a yeoman because there was an anticlericalism
• Chaucer uses direct characterization by showing the deceit the friar has by thinking about scamming an old woman
• indirect characterization with how persuasive he can be.
• his character is the exact opposite of what we would expect so it is ironic and humorous. The friar is supposed to be pious and poor, but he wants to make money and live a luxurious life.
• Chaucer uses irony to portray a sense of humor
• there is a witty conversation between the Friar and Bath's wife which also shows humor