Question

In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, what does the portrayal of characters like some priests suggest about the nature of man?

A. Essentially virtuous
B. Inherently sinful
C. Morally neutral
D. Righteous and devout

Answer 1

The portrayal of characters like some priests in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales suggests that man is inherently sinful. The correct answer is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The portrayal of characters like some priests in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales suggests that man is inherently sinful. Through their actions and behaviors, these characters demonstrate flaws and vices such as corruption, greed, and hypocrisy. For example, the Pardoner and the Friar are depicted as dishonest and self-serving, indicating the sinful nature of man.

This portrayal aligns with the belief held by many conservatives during the medieval period that human nature is fundamentally bad and evil. This perspective was influenced by the notion of original sin and the idea that humans are inherently tainted by sin. The portrayal of sinful priests in the Canterbury Tales reflects this belief. The correct answer is B.

Answer 2

Chaucer's portrayal of characters like the priests in 'The Canterbury Tales' suggests a critique of the Church and indicates that human nature is characterized by inherent sinfulness.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, the portrayal of the priests and other religious figures suggests a critique of the Church and its clergy. Chaucer uses these characters to reveal the human tendencies towards hypocrisy and moral failure. The character of the Pardoner, for example, is presented as a figure who exploits the faithful for his gain. He sells pardons and indulgences, claiming to absolve people of their sins, while himself living a life of sin. This portrayal aligns with the view that human nature, according to Chaucer, can be characterized by inherent sinfulness. Another notable figure is the Friar who is supposed to live a life of poverty and service but instead actively seeks out wealth and comforts. Such characters in the Tales depict that clerical figures, though expected to be the moral authority, are just as susceptible to corruption and moral flaws as anyone else. Therefore, the portrayal of priests in Chaucer's work implies that human nature leans towards answer option B: Inherently sinful.