Even though the majority of the pilgrims here are flawed, Chaucer treats almost all of them kindly. The Prioress’s attempt to ape courtly manners has its charm, even its pathos. The Monk appears to have no more real religious vocation that the Prioress, but in the “General Prologue” he seems to be a jolly companion. The Franklin is an epicurean who is perhaps overly concerned with a good meal for himself, but he is also a St. Julian, the patron of hospitality. Most of the failings one sees in the pilgrims are venial rather than mortal. The satire is further tempered by the recognition that corruption is not universal. The Knight embodies the ideals of chivalry. The Clerk (student) of Oxford loves learning. Even if his fellow ecclesiastics do not live up to their vows, the Parson is a model priest, and his brother the Plowman an exemplary layman.