The ParsonKellie Suelter

4th HourBrit Lit

SummaryChaucer is interviewing this member of the clergy, the Parson. He is a smart man and religious. The Parson says that priests need to set better examples for their people and they need to be holier, in a sense, because if they are not holy and do not practice the Gospel, their congregation will not. The Pardoner says that you must first follow the word before you can teach it. He then goes on to compare the priests and their congregation to a flock of sheep a shepherd. He says that if you do not take care of your sheep, they will be eaten by the wolf, but if you do take care of them, they will prosper.

Characteristics• Wooden stave in hand and upon his feet

• Very smart

• Religious

• Devote to the Gospel and to the poor (Would rather give his money to the poor instead of the corrupted Church)

Job- clergy member

Personality Traits- Religious, intelligent, virtuous, caring, generous

Chaucer’s attitude towards him- respectful, because he is in a position

of respect and he lives out that position very nobly

The Parson is going to Canterbury

Key Lines:“Benign and wonderfully diligent, and patient when adversity was sent” (lines 493-494)

“Wide was his parish, with houses far asunder, yet he neglected not in rain or thunder” (lines 501-502)

“First following the word before he taught it…” (line 507)

“He did not set his benefice to hire.” (line 517)

Vocabulary• Renown- being talked about by many people

• Parson- member of the clergy, esp. Protestant one.

• Diligent- showing care in one’s work

• Benign- gentle; kind

• Extorting- obtain by force, threats, or unfair means

• Tithe- one tenth of a person’s income

• Asunder- apart; divided

• Encumbered- fill or block up

• Mire- soft or slushy mud or dirt

• Scrupulosity- diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to detail

• Stave- wooden post or plank in a building structure