The Prologue displays the corruption in the social classes, which are organized by wealth, lying and dishonor. The church is supposed to be the most holy group, but they are the most materialistic, and unholy people. Even though the people of the court are not fashionable, they are honorable and loyal. However, this does not give them a high social ranking. The common people are divided; some claim to be religious and others are only concerned with materialistic things. Through the descriptions of the characters, Chaucer shows the corruption of the social classes.
The church is the most corrupted class; the members are viewed by their material wealth, rather than their religious acts. Chaucer describes the Monk as a sportsman, and
There is a division among the common people that leaves some believing they are religious and others materialistic. Chaucer places a great deal of attention of the Merchant's lying capabilities. He is only concerned with wealth. On the other hand, there is the Plowman. He is an honest worker and is true to God. However, Chaucer places him at the end of the pilgrimage behind the Merchant. This signifies that the truth with God and honesty may only be false appearances to the truth. The common people as a whole are like the church, corrupted.
Chaucer clearly shows how much corruption there is among the social classes. Wealth and material objects are the most valuable possessions, and yet religion and honor are not as respectful. Chaucer describes his charact
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