Final answer:
Chaucer includes both positive and negative character representations in The Canterbury Tales to showcase the diversity of human nature, with the Knight providing a positive example and the Pardoner a negative one.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales includes both positive and negative representations of people from different estates as a reflection of the complexity and variety of human character and society. An example of a positive representation is the Knight, who embodies the ideals of chivalry, bravery, and honor. He is portrayed as a noble warrior who has fought in many battles and remains modest and true to the chivalric code. On the contrary, a negative representation is evident in the character of the Pardoner, who, despite his religious position, is depicted as greedy, corrupt, and deceitful, selling pardons and indulgences for his own gain. Through these characters, Chaucer provides a nuanced view of society, showing that individuals within any estate can exhibit both virtues and vices.