Canterbury Tales Pilgrims Flashcards

Knight

• Highest-ranking pilgrim and leader of knights.
• Survived numerous battles; pilgrimage is a gesture of gratitude for life.
• Wore a dirty, dented armor to symbolize bravery and resilience.
• Embodies chivalry; known for honest speech and noble deeds.

Squire

• Son of the Knight; serves him and aspires to knighthood.
• Described as agile, attractive, and a "ladies' man."
• Wears extravagant clothing adorned with flowers to impress others.
• Performs good deeds in hopes of gaining his father's approval and winning a woman's affection.

Yeoman

• Depicted as a good archer resembling Robin Hood.
• Skilled woodsman and serves as a knight's servant.
• Carries weapons, stressing their importance for self-care and survival.
• Dressed in a green coat, highlighting his connection with nature.

Nun

• Known as Madame Eglantine; serves as head of her nunnery.
• Charitable but overly focused on superficial beauty rather than inner virtues.
• Wears black robes and a gold rosary, with small, elegant features.
• Fluent in French and wears a brooch stating "Amor vincit omnia," symbolizing her romantic ideals.

Monk

• A hefty priest indulgent in pleasures, showing little regard for monastic rules.
• More interested in his looks and equestrian knowledge than scripture.
• Sports luxurious fur garments and maintains well-groomed horses.
• Holds a unique perspective on life, often dismissing traditional views.

Friar

• Charismatic, often seen as a matchmaker and known for his charm.
• Exploits relationships for personal gain, often engaging in scandalous behavior.
• Paid for confessions and carried items for bribes; portrayed as a man who revels in social interaction.
• Dressed in a cape with pockets for gifts, reflecting his manipulative, yet sociable nature.

Merchant

• Independent thinker, confident in expressing his opinions.
• Dressed in colorful, ostentatious attire with a Flemish beaver hat, suggesting a desire for status.
• Maintains a façade of wealth despite being in debt, illustrating superficiality in his character.

Oxford Clerk

• Dedicated scholar with a strong focus on philosophy and education.
• Lacks a job; prioritizes studies over personal upkeep and material possessions.
• Owns multiple books on Aristotle and spends all funds on education, illustrating his commitment to learning.
• Communicates succinctly, embodying seriousness and diligence in his pursuits.

Sergeant of the Law

• Property owner who appears less busy than he truly is; skilled in his legal practice.
• Recognized for his efficiency and ability to find no loopholes in his legal work.
• Signs documents and serves as a lawyer to the king, emphasizing his legal authority.