In the prologue to the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer uses the character traits of the clergy to exemplify the ideal character. Chaucer's members of the clergy display ideal characteristics such as generosity, uprightness, and servitude. Through exploring the lifestyles of the clergy, Chaucer distinguishes pious and truly ideal servants from secular, self-centered men. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayChaucer introduces several members of the clergy in the Prologue, but the parish priest stands out as a priest faithful to his duty, who possesses a generous heart. Unlike numerous other corrupt members of the clergy, the Parson exudes a genuine attitude of love and care toward his neighbors by “giving to the poor parishioners of the vicinity/ Whether from the church's offerings or his property” (lines 486-487). Demonstrated through his munificent actions, the Parson exemplifies a great generosity that Chaucer admires and respects. By donating what he has, the parish priest illustrates a clear example of an extraordinary man who is not bound by worldly matters. Jesus Christ teaches that “if you want to be perfect… give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). The Parson is not only a man who refuses to conform to secular ways of being materialistic, but also willingly gives to the poor and needy. Following Christ's teaching to share one's possessions with others, the Parish Priest is depicted as an extremely pious man with a generous spirit. Chaucer starkly contrasts this wonderful spirit of generosity in the Friar's repugnant actions. The very idea that “one should give silver for the cure of a poor friar” instead of crying and praying is ridiculous and ironic (line 230). Unlike the Parish Priest who donates his belongings, the Friar takes money from the repentant public. His disgusting actions are despicable and demonstrate the man's materialistic nature, making him unworthy of being a friar. Loving his life and communicating only with the rich in the hope of obtaining benefits, the friar rebels against the teachings of Christ: “He who loves his life will lose it; and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). The friar is unable to abandon his materialistic views and only wishes to enjoy the pleasures of life on earth, neglecting the fact that he should focus on life in heaven. An execrable man like the Friar will surely lose eternal life and suffer eternal damnation in hell. Chaucer clearly indicates that the friar's actions are contrary to the ideal man when compared to the generous and generous attitude of the parish priest. In addition to his generous spirit, the parish priest exudes a righteous lifestyle that reflects the teachings of the Gospels. He extends hospitable care to brothers and sisters who need his help; he neglects them “not in rain or thunder, / in sickness or pain” (line 490-491). The Parson is not only kind in his thoughts and beliefs, but also in how he actually cares for others in need; his actions live up to the exemplary lifestyle of a parish priest. The parish priest's assiduous attention to his brothers and sisters despite every obstacle highlights his upright way of living. True to his vows and duties, the Parson lives a life worthy of recognition and respect. In contrast, the Monk “[tends] to ignore” his vows and takes “the more spacious path of the modern world” (line 172, 174). Chaucer reveals the secular way of life of the Monk and shows the despicable lifestyle of the Monk by describing him as a man who ignores the rules of the monastery and dwells on worldly pleasures. Furthermore, the Monk is a fat hunter who wears “fine gray fur, the finest in the land”(line 192). His appearance reveals that he has not kept his vows of poverty and the monastery's rules of remaining within the monastery. The Monk's fashionable lifestyle expresses his habit of hunting, which is a form of killing in which a monk should not partake. From his obesity, the Monk draws a repugnant image of being a hypocrite who lives an entirely different life from a holy monk who dutifully follows his vows of poverty. The Monk is a character whose shameful lifestyle evidently illustrates the despised and shunned characteristics of the medieval period. Palpably different from the loathsome Monk, the Parson demonstrates his teachings in his own life because "if the gold [rusts], what then will the iron do" (line 498)? The Parson firmly believes that he must show other sinners how to live righteously through his own example; he is unwilling to submit to the hypocritical life that the Monk pursues. Although the Parson could earn his living through hypocrisy as the Monk does, the Parson's willingness to engage in poverty and dedicate his life completely to its teachings exemplifies his righteous character. Among all his noteworthy characteristics, the Parson ultimately defines the ideal character through his humble devotion to servitude. He possesses a gentle passion for caring for the needy: “He [is] a shepherd and not a mercenary, / Holy and virtuous he [is], but then / Never contemptuous of sinful men, / Never disdainful, never too proud or refined , / But [he is] discreet in teaching and kind." (line 510-514) Through allusion to the parable of the good shepherd and the hireling, Chaucer insinuates that the Parson is a loyal leader to the needy people he serves, willing to protect and guard them even when difficult obstacles may prevent him from doing so. from doing it. Unlike the friar or monk who is like the irresponsible laborer, the parish priest's characteristic of devoted servitude is portrayed as a shepherd who zealously serves his sheep, showing no objection to the arduous responsibility. He is an example of holiness, a willing servant with a heart that forgives and accepts sinners. The attitude of forgiveness is predominantly important in Chaucer's time as the Scriptures teach man to “forgive men their trespasses” (Matthew 6:14). Although the Parson lives a blameless and praiseworthy life, he does not boast of his morality or criticize sinners; instead, remain humble and continue to spread the teachings of the Gospel with patience and love. The Parson's sincere and humble style of servitude shines gloriously when compared to the Pardoner's pretentious way of serving the church. Although the Pardoner serves by singing in church, his main purpose in serving is to "win silver from the crowd" (line 719). Chaucer mocks the Pardoner's disdainful act, implying that such pretentious servitude has no eternal rewards in heaven but only temporary, earthly rewards in money. The Pardoner's iniquitous ways are contrary to the Christian belief of renouncing worldly wealth and display a disreputable and deplorable lifestyle. Using a stark contrast between characters, Chaucer establishes the ideal standards of servitude through the Parson's true and humble heart. Through careful characterization, Chaucer firmly demonstrates the ideal character worthy of respect and honor. He manifests generosity and rectitude in the life of the parish priest, emphasizing above all his humble manner of servitude. Indeed, Chaucer's interpretation of the Parson functions as a respectable reminder for the clergy to remain humble and genuine in their faith. Because Chaucer lived in a time when the Church was a predominant force and influence, his ideals reflected the teachings of the church; therefore, the Parson exemplifies the..