Student Question
Which pilgrim in The Canterbury Tales is described as an epicurean?
Quick answer:
The pilgrim described as an epicurean in "The Canterbury Tales" is the Franklin. He is portrayed as a man who loves indulging in the finest food and drink, embodying the philosophy of Epicurus, who believed that sensual pleasure was the ultimate happiness. This characterization is evident in lines that describe him as living for pleasure and being likened to "Epicurus' very son."
You could probably make a case for many of these characters to fit that description, but the main guy you're looking for is the Franklin. The Franklin is said to be a man who loves the finest food and drink and is never short on either. In my translation, you would be most interested in lines 345-348:
"He lived for pleasure and had always done,
For he was Epicurus' very son,
In whose opinion sensual delight
Was the one true felicity in sight."
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