General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

by Geoffrey Chaucer

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How does Chaucer portray the Parson in The Canterbury Tales?

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Contrary to many of the other characters, Geoffrey Chaucer's Parson (from The Canterbury Tales) proves to be a truly good man. Having taken a vow of poverty, the Parson lives a very poor life (in regards to goods). While he does not possess worldly goods (which is part of his poverty), the Parson is a very rich man. He is rich based upon his religious beliefs and education. The Parson practices what he preaches by modeling the behavior he wishes in others. Nothing would stop him from visiting a parishioner, not rain, thunder, or illness. The narrator states that no better priest ever existed. 

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