1. By: Elizabeth Rook THE FRIAR

2. WHAT DO THEY DO? Friars live in poverty amongst the poor helping them obtain money through begging others to improve their livelihood. They believe doing this is living like Jesus Christ because they are devoting all their time to religious work. Friars are members of a catholic mendicant religious order. They take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

3. CHARACTERISTICS The friar is insincere because he will forgive anyone no matter how bad the sin. He is sly because he would fix up marriages ironically so that he could get rid of them and hide his lust as a man who is supposed to live in chastity. Chastity is the practice of refraining from extramarital, or all sexual intercourse. “Sweetly he heard his penitents at shrift with pleasant absolution, for a gift.” Lines 225-226 “He was ever prompt to arbitrate disputes on settling days.” Lines 264- 265 “…better than lepers, beggars and that crew, for in so eminent a man as he.” Lines 246-247

4. CHAUCER AND THE FRIAR Chaucer’s description of Friar and his flawed self opposes the ideal for a man of religion. He sins regularly with his selfish pleasures. The narrator illustrates the Friar in a mockingly manner using irony to emphasize his satirical (sarcastic) tone. “He kept his tippet stuffed with pins for curls, and pocket-knives to give to pretty girls.” Lines 237-238 All in all, the Friar is portrayed as unideal and sinful. While he is supposed to be dedicating himself to religious beliefs and maneuvers, he is winning the hearts of barmaids. Although, he is a very happy and festive person. “There was a Friar, wanton one and merry.” Line 212

5. QUOTES TO DESCRIBE HIM Fun: “There was a Friar wanton and merry…” Line 212 Sociable: “a very festive fellow” Line 213 Lively: “For he sang well and played the hurdy-gurdy” Line 240 Outgoing: “He was the finest beggar of his batch” Line 256

6. THE FRIAR TODAY There isn’t necessarily an appropriate title for what the Friar would be today, but he would be someone like a worshiper of God willing to sin against Him and fool women in order to seduce them. He would be greedy and selfish in ways but portray himself as someone who wants to help.