Gone Medieval Canterbury Tales: Pilgrims' Professions
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Jul 11, 2025 Join Professor Robert Mayer Lee, a distinguished expert on Chaucer and medieval society, as he takes a deep dive into the colorful tapestry of careers among the pilgrims in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales.' From the social dynamics of merchants to the aspiring squire's journey, Lee unveils how these tales reflect the fluidity of social mobility in 14th century England. The discussion also touches on themes of power, class, and the legacy of the Franklin, revealing how the stories still resonate today.
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Medieval Merchants as Wholesalers
- The medieval merchant was an international wholesaler, not a street seller, often dealing in wool exports.
- Merchants had high risks and rewards and could lend money to the crown due to their capital.
Merchants' Middle-Class Status
- Merchants represented a proto-middle class measured by wealth rather than noble titles.
- They often showed anxiety in presenting themselves as prosperous despite debts, reflecting social pressures.
Complex Morality in Merchant's Tale
- The Merchant's Tale is about an old knight and a young wife, involving deception and marital discord, not about a merchant.
- It mixes comedy, philosophy, and irony, defying a simple moral interpretation and reflecting complex views on marriage.