Chaucher's Merchant In The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer's work The Cantebury Tales stands as one of the classic works of all literature and much can be gained through a thorough reading of The General Prologue. In it, Chaucer captures the reader's attention with thoughtful and sometimes ironic descriptions of the various pilgrims. One such character grabbed my attention quickly, that of the Merchant.
Immediately, the first line sets the stage for this journeyman as Chaucher writes, "A Marchant was ther with a forked beard". The allusion suggests that this character, like his beard is "forked"; there exists somewhere within a duality of purposes. It is not until later can we infer what those purposes are. Chaucer continues, "in motelee, and hye on hors he sat". The rich colors of merchant's apparel contrast nicely with the other travelers, like the Shipman, who wears a bland wool tunic. Chaucer continues the physical description noting the man's boots appear fair and elegant. Obviously the merchant has money and is proud of the fact for he seems to carry himself notably higher on his horse than others. This faux nobility of sorts is unique attribute of a devout pilgrim. Even the fact that he has a horse suggests that his financial undertakings have been profitable. Chaucer confirms this point by adding that the merchant openly and often implies of his financial gains. Not necessarily the meek and humble of the earth.
On a more positive note though, Chaucer feels necessary to defend the man's character. "This worthy man ful wel his wit bisettle." Did I miss the part on the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus spoke of worthiness in terms of how well we employ our mental power? This meager pilgrim suddenly doesn't seem so naïve and innocent. And lest we forget how honorable this merchant is Chaucer reminds us four lines later saying, "he was a worthy man withalle."
Herein lies the "fork" in the merchant. One the hand Chaucer lauds the man as worthy, while on the...
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