What Are The Flaws Of The Reeve In The Canterbury Tales?

2025-07-05 05:12:27 99

3 Answers

Noah
Noah
2025-07-06 11:58:54
Chaucer’s Reeve is a masterclass in character flaws, blending professional deceit with personal inadequacies. His job as an estate manager demands integrity, yet he’s a thief, lining his pockets while pretending to serve his lord faithfully. This duality makes him untrustworthy, a snake in the grass among the pilgrims. His tale is a direct attack on the Miller, revealing how deeply he holds grudges—a trait that overshadows any cleverness he might possess.

His physical description—scrawny, with legs like sticks—mirrors his moral emptiness. He’s a man who’s all sharp edges, lacking the warmth or humor of others like the Wife of Bath. His flaws aren’t just about dishonesty; they’re about a life spent calculating and scheming, leaving no room for joy or camaraderie. Even his storytelling feels like a weapon, not a gift. The Reeve is a cautionary figure, showing how pettiness and greed can hollow out a person.
Clara
Clara
2025-07-07 19:07:34
The Reeve in 'The Canterbury Tales' is a fascinating but deeply flawed character. His role as a manager of estates suggests competence, but his personality is riddled with hypocrisy and spite. He presents himself as a meticulous, no-nonsense figure, yet he’s secretly corrupt, embezzling from his lord while maintaining a facade of loyalty. His vengeful nature is glaring in his tale, where he targets the Miller, reflecting his inability to let go of grudges. Physically, he’s described as old and brittle, which contrasts sharply with his sharp tongue and cunning mind, making him a paradox of weakness and malice. His flaws lie in his dishonesty, pettiness, and the way he uses his position to settle personal scores, undermining any redeeming qualities.
Sawyer
Sawyer
2025-07-08 02:01:56
The Reeve’s flaws in 'The Canterbury Tales' are multifaceted, blending personal vendettas with professional deceit. As a steward, he’s supposed to be trustworthy, but Chaucer paints him as a manipulative figure who skims profits from his employer, showcasing greed masked by efficiency. His tale exposes his bitterness, especially in how he retaliates against the Miller’s story with one that mirrors it but twists the outcome to humiliate the Miller’s profession. This pettiness reveals a lack of maturity and an obsession with one-upmanship.

Beyond his vengefulness, the Reeve’s physical decay—his lean frame and sour demeanor—symbolizes his moral rot. He’s a man whose sharp mind is wasted on spite rather than wisdom. His inability to laugh at himself or others’ jabs makes him a joyless figure, contrasting with the more jovial pilgrims. His flaws aren’t just moral; they’re existential, as he clings to control in a world that’s slipping away from him, both in age and influence.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

A Love Story With Flaws
A Love Story With Flaws
There is nothing like a perfect love story, every story has its own flaws. It is a love story of college girl Kriti and a struggling boy Aadi. They were passionately in love with each other even distance between their city can't keep them apart but little misunderstanding shook their love paradise. After being in long distance relationship for three years when close by distance their heart grew apart. Explore a love story of middle class Indian couple with lot of twist, tragedy and lots of love. Excerpt: "Will you never forgive me?" He asked with distressed tone. "When I needed you the most you abandoned me and now you want a second chance? What a joke !" She looked at him with a smirk and turned around leaving Aadi speechless. " I know i made a mistake I'll never abandon you again, I'll pursue you until you forgives me."he muttered to himself and smiled before running after her.
Not enough ratings
20 Chapters
Wolf Tales
Wolf Tales
Part One:When Jamie Dalton moved into the house her grandparents left her she was just looking to reconnect with her past and settle in familiar surroundings. Digging through the attic for treasures, she found a nearly life-sized statue of a wolf and a very old, very strange book, Legends of the Werewolf. She was shocked when her new neighbor, Mike Volka, introduced himself and the eyes watching her looked just like the wolf in the book. Using the hypnotic power of the shifter, he draws her into his web and they have sex so hot it nearly burns down the house.Part TwoShifter Lia Popescue is desperate to find the book, Legends of the Werewolf, her only clue as to what happened to her pack. Her attempts to recover it bring her into contact with Riley Morgan, a contact that explodes with sexual chemistry. When she loses her heart to the sexy detective, she wonders how he will handle knowing the truth about her.USA Today best-selling and award-winning author Desiree Holt writes everything from romantic suspense and paranormal to erotic. and has been referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, and is a winner of the EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice nominee. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.Wolf Tales is created by Desiree Holt, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.
4
43 Chapters
Bloody Tales
Bloody Tales
'The library is forbidden after dark!' But for Deborah Waters, an adventurous teenager and aspiring journalist, the thrill of the unknown is simply irresistible. As she navigates the challenges of settling into a new town and school, she can’t help but be drawn to the whispers of the library’s hidden secrets. With each step into the shadows, she uncovers spine-tingling tales that promise to reveal more than just stories—they hold the key to mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Will Deborah’s daring curiosity lead her to thrilling discoveries, or will she find herself entangled in a web of danger? Join her on this gripping journey where every page turned could be a step into the unknown!
Not enough ratings
14 Chapters
Fictionary Tales
Fictionary Tales
FICTIONARY TALES: A collection of short stories. Welcome to fictionary tales all written by me which include topics such as KARMA, Love, Revenge, Trauma, Tragedy, Happy endings, Sad endings, Mystery, Adventure and so much more!!
10
6 Chapters
Norbert's Tales
Norbert's Tales
Rachel had never known what the 'ultimate-freshman-torture'would look like until'the-Norbert-Williams-Karter', Winchester college's bad boy takes interest in her. Unable to face the torment from Allison, Norbert's girlfriend, Rachel flees back to her family home.. leaving behind her reputation that had been seriously marred by Allison as 'STALKER'and'SLURT'. But Rachel soon returns the next semester to complete her scholarship after Allison had disappeared as well. Her disappearance gives a single Norbert the chance to flirt and mingle with Rachel who is still trying to save the little dignity of hers left. But the irresistible Norbert comes up with a mischievous, more like devilish plan where they fake date for a week to clear people's mindset of her, while he in turn gets in her pants. What will happen when Allison gets back? Or when Peter-a transferred student takes immediate and intense interest in Rachel? Or when things fall apart??...
10
13 Chapters
Fated Fairy Tales
Fated Fairy Tales
Just Right - It’s my birthright to go to Beta Academy. No matter what my stepmother thinks. According to her, I’m not worthy, as I am not the child of a fated union. But as the daughter of the Beta. I am guaranteed a place. Days before, my 18th birthday. I meet an Alpha Wolf who makes my life a little less boring. One day, he’s hot-headed and harsh. The next, he’s gentle and sweet. Is he the man for me? Who knows? Who cares? I just want a little fun before I leave. Because that is when my life will truly begin. Beauty Sleep - To keep her safe from Millicent. Ora’s parents trust three guardians to care for their daughter until her 18th birthday. Taken to an undisclosed location, Ora grows up under the careful supervision of her guardians in the human world. Following a fatal attack on their home. Ora and her last remaining guardian find themselves at Beta Academy. This is when Ora finally finds out the truth about herself and why she has lived a sheltered life. Can her guardian fulfill her oath and keep Ora safe, or will Millicent find her? Cold as Ice - As if being responsible for my parent’s death wasn’t traumatic enough. Millicent the witch that murdered them wants me for my powers. My only hope is for me to kill Millicent before she kills me. Leaving my sister and my home behind, I embarked on a quest for revenge. Now I’m older, wiser, stronger. But I’m still not strong enough. I need allies. To rid the world of the most wicked witch the world has ever known. If we fail. It’s not just my loved ones who will suffer. Everyone will.
10
145 Chapters

Related Questions

Which Character In Canterbury Tales Is The Most Controversial?

4 Answers2025-07-16 19:21:49
As someone who’s spent years delving into medieval literature, I find 'The Canterbury Tales' endlessly fascinating, especially its morally ambiguous characters. The most controversial, in my opinion, is the Pardoner. Chaucer paints him as a hypocrite—a man who preaches against greed while shamelessly peddling fake relics and indulging in avarice himself. His overt cynicism and implied homosexuality (a taboo in his time) make him a lightning rod for debate. What’s striking is how modern the Pardoner feels. His manipulation of religious faith for profit echoes today’s televangelist scandals. The tale he tells, a parable about greed leading to death, is dripping with irony given his own sins. Scholars still argue whether Chaucer meant to critique corruption or simply entertain. Either way, the Pardoner’s combination of vice and charisma keeps him unforgettable.

Who Is The Most Famous Character In Canterbury Tales?

4 Answers2025-07-16 06:40:57
As someone who adores medieval literature, I can confidently say that the most iconic character from 'The Canterbury Tales' is the Wife of Bath. Geoffrey Chaucer crafted her with such depth and audacity that she stands out even centuries later. She's a fiery, outspoken woman who challenges societal norms, especially regarding marriage and female autonomy. Her prologue is a bold manifesto on women's rights, and her tale, with its themes of sovereignty and equality, resonates deeply with modern readers. What makes her unforgettable is her unapologetic personality and sharp wit. She’s been married five times, flaunts her sexuality, and debates theology with the confidence of a scholar. Her character is a masterclass in complexity—both humorous and profound. While characters like the Knight or the Pardoner are memorable, the Wife of Bath’s legacy endures because she feels strikingly contemporary, a rebel in a world of conformity.

Why Is The Miller A Memorable Character In Canterbury Tales?

3 Answers2025-07-31 03:36:44
The Miller in 'Canterbury Tales' stands out because of his raw, unfiltered personality and the way he disrupts the social order. He’s loud, drunk, and unapologetically crude, which makes him a stark contrast to the more refined pilgrims like the Knight or the Prioress. His tale, a bawdy fabliau about a cheating wife and a gullible carpenter, reflects his own rough humor and challenges the courtly ideals of the time. What makes him memorable is how Chaucer uses him to poke fun at societal norms and hypocrisy. The Miller isn’t just a comic relief; he’s a deliberate subversion of medieval class expectations, reminding us that vice and virtue aren’t confined to any one social stratum.

Is The Plowman A Good Character In The Canterbury Tales?

4 Answers2025-08-19 19:54:56
As someone who adores medieval literature, I find the Plowman in 'The Canterbury Tales' to be a quietly compelling character. He represents the virtuous peasant, embodying hard work, humility, and charity—qualities often overlooked in Chaucer’s satirical world. Unlike the corrupt clergy or the greedy merchants, the Plowman is a breath of fresh air, a man who "would thresh and ditch and dig" without complaint. His devotion to his brother, the Parson, further highlights his integrity. What makes him fascinating is how he contrasts with the more flawed pilgrims. While the Friar scams the poor and the Miller is a drunken brute, the Plowman’s simplicity feels almost subversive. He’s not glamorous, but his goodness lingers in the mind. Chaucer doesn’t mock him like others, which makes me wonder: is the Plowman an ideal, or a subtle critique of how society undervalues laborers? Either way, he’s a gem among the raucous crowd.

Why Is The Merchant In Canterbury Tales A Complex Character?

3 Answers2025-07-29 02:09:14
The Merchant in 'Canterbury Tales' is complex because he embodies contradictions that make him both fascinating and hard to pin down. On the surface, he’s a wealthy, well-dressed figure who speaks solemnly about trade and finance, but his prologue hints at deeper frustrations, like his unhappy marriage. Chaucer doesn’t spell it out, but there’s a sense that the Merchant’s polished exterior hides personal turmoil. His tale, a cynical story about a cheating wife, feels like a projection of his own bitterness. Yet, he’s also pragmatic—a survivor in a cutthroat world. That mix of resentment, professionalism, and secrecy makes him layered in a way that feels oddly modern.

What Are The Character Traits Of The Knight In Canterbury Tales?

3 Answers2025-07-31 17:21:14
The Knight in 'Canterbury Tales' is the epitome of chivalry and honor. He embodies the ideal medieval warrior, with a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and courage. His character is marked by humility despite his high status; he wears a stained tunic, showing he prioritizes service over vanity. He’s well-traveled, having fought in numerous battles, which reflects his bravery and commitment to his cause. His speech is courteous and refined, aligning with his noble upbringing. Unlike many of Chaucer’s satirical portraits, the Knight is presented without irony—a genuine paragon of virtue. His son, the Squire, contrasts him sharply, highlighting the Knight’s maturity and seriousness. The Knight’s traits—bravery, humility, and piety—make him a rare, almost idealized figure in the Tales, standing out among the more flawed pilgrims.

Why Is The Wife Of Bath A Controversial Character In Canterbury Tales?

5 Answers2025-08-07 17:44:53
The Wife of Bath is one of the most controversial figures in 'The Canterbury Tales' because she defies medieval norms in every possible way. As a woman who’s been married five times, she openly discusses her sexual desires and dominance in relationships, which was scandalous for the time. Her prologue is a bold critique of patriarchal structures, where she quotes scripture to justify her multiple marriages and mocks the idea of female chastity. What makes her even more divisive is her tale itself, where she presents a knight who must learn that true happiness comes from yielding sovereignty to his wife. This subverts the typical medieval romance trope of male dominance, making her a proto-feminist icon to some and a vulgar, immoral figure to others. Chaucer’s ambiguous portrayal—both celebrating her wit and mocking her excesses—keeps debates about her character alive centuries later.

Which Character Tells The Miller'S Story In Canterbury Tales?

2 Answers2025-07-08 06:06:25
I've always found the storytelling dynamics in 'The Canterbury Tales' fascinating, especially how Chaucer plays with narrative layers. The Miller’s tale is actually told by—you guessed it—the Miller himself, a brash, drunken character who interrupts the Host’s order to let the Knight’s tale stand alone. What’s brilliant here is how the Miller’s crude personality bleeds into his story. It’s packed with raunchy humor and absurdity, like a medieval frat joke, which totally clashes with the Knight’s refined romance. The way Chaucer uses the Miller’s voice to undercut societal norms is pure gold. What makes this even more interesting is the meta commentary. The Miller isn’t just a character; he’s a narrative device highlighting class tensions. His tale mocks the idealism of the Knight’s story, replacing chivalry with adultery and slapstick. The fabliau genre fits him perfectly—short, bawdy, and subversive. You can almost hear Chaucer laughing in the margins as the Miller’s blunt honesty disrupts the decorum of the pilgrimage. It’s a reminder that stories aren’t just about content but who tells them and why.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status