Monday, September 29, 2014

CANTERBURY TALES (II): WHAT A CHARACTER!

Character: Cook

Chaucer uses direct and indirect characterization to describe the cook to make him a more rounded and dynamic character, which the readers would be able to analyze.
Direct characterization: Chaucer describes him to be an amazing cook but had ulcer in his knees.
Indirect characterization: Chaucer describes him as someone who's extremely dirty but using euphemism so that the cook - along with the others - can be considered a worthy example of a holy person.

Chaucer's tone: Chaucer is satirical, not only with the characterization of the cook but overall in his story, and sarcastic. He uses these two techniques, along with euphemism, to describe how everyone is similar in one way or another. For example, all the characters went on the pilgrimage not for the holy benefit but for the food offered.

Chaucer's humor: Chaucer uses irony when he characterizes the cook to be someone who's dirty and not be able to clean himself, when he's supposed to be the cleanest of them all as he cooks. No one would want someone like him to touch their food. (Thank you, Dr. Preston!) 

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