Question

As you start considering elements of the allegory for your portfolio assignment, discuss the allegorical content of The Canterbury Tales by examining characters embodying specific flaws of medieval society. How can the characters you encountered so far be considered allegorical?

Answer 1

 The characters are often exemplary and representative: the Parson and the Ploughman are examples of ideal religious and secular virtue: the Monk is an example of what was then a common type: the non-religious religious - not in himself a bad man, but out of place. That greasy pair the Pardoner and the Summoner stand for the exploitative side of the religious establishment.