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Chaucer's characters represent every level of medieval society, from the nobility to the lower class. Provide evidence for this

on the following chart. List three pilgrims from different social classes in The Canterbury Tales. Briefly describe each
character. Describe the level of society from which each comes. Describe the effect this broad presentation of life in the
Middle Ages has on the reader.

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Answer:

In "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, the characters indeed represent various levels of medieval society, providing a comprehensive view of life during the Middle Ages. Here are three pilgrims from different social classes and a brief description of each character:

1. The Knight (Nobility): The Knight is a chivalrous character who embodies the ideals of medieval knighthood. He is well-respected and experienced in warfare, having fought in many battles. Despite his high social status, the Knight is humble and courteous.

2. The Wife of Bath (Middle Class): The Wife of Bath is a wealthy and independent woman who has been married multiple times. She is well-traveled and possesses a bold personality. Her experience in relationships and her knowledge of the world make her an intriguing character representing the middle class.

3. The Miller (Lower Class): The Miller is a lower-class character who operates a mill. He is described as a robust and brawny individual with a penchant for telling crude jokes and engaging in physical confrontations. The Miller's occupation and behavior reflect the rougher aspects of lower-class society.

The broad presentation of characters from different social classes in "The Canterbury Tales" allows readers to gain insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives of people living during the Middle Ages. Chaucer's inclusion of characters from various social strata enables the reader to explore the complexities of medieval society, its hierarchies, and the interactions between individuals from different backgrounds. This presentation helps to create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the time period, fostering a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and economic dynamics at play.

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