A Book by It's Cover, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

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Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of short stories written in Middle English during the 14th century. Chaucer uses details such as physical looks, clothing, and personality to reveal characters. Many of the pilgrims presented in the prologue are first introduced by describing what they look like on the outside, but then revealed with deeper complexity. Three characters with a lot of contrast include the Miller, the Woman of Bath, and the Parson. They are all characters whose inner natures are exhibited by their outer appearance. The Miller is one character whose appearance and physical characteristics reflects his inner personality as the Miller. He is a disgusting and very physical character as an immensely large man with a red beard, big nostrils, and a broad mouth. The Miller has a large wart on his nose with a clump of red hair growing on it. Chaucer writes “A wart on which there stood a tuft of hair. Red as the bristles in an old sow’s ear.” (Line 571) He is very strong and burly, can break doors open with his head, and always wins the top prize at wrestling matches. Chaucer uses his looks to give hints about his character and actions. They indicate that he is not a good Miller and that his unattractive attributes play out in his choices and actions. He steals grain regularly from his customers or charges them way too much for it which is more evidence that his looks tell his true behavior.
 The Wife of Bath is a confident and flamboyant woman. She had very broad hips and a big bottom and wide hat. She wears very pricey clothing such as scarlet red stockings and leather shoes. The Wife of Bath had five husbands and traveled on three pilgrimages to Jerusalem. She was known for having a way with men which resulted in multiple lovers. She was described as an amicable person who loved to chat and laugh. This quote from Chaucer

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