Chaucer spent a great deal of time explaining how she was extremely obsessed with her etiquette, that hints to the reader that she is more suited to be a beloved lady rather than a nun. In the days of Chaucer, women used excellent etiquette to attract and keep lovers. This indicates that the Prioress in not completely faithful to her vow of chastity, but rather a woman of promiscuity.
The vow of obedience, in reference to the Prioress, is probably the most odd vow of the four, since he never mentions it. While Chaucer is describing the Prioress he never once mentions how she serves God or nothing of that sort. This leaves the reader wondering if she serves God well or does not, but it is obvious that she has failed to follow the other vows and that this one is no exception.
A nun should pray, study, do service to God, and live a confined life free from temptation, but the Prioress has already violated the first three vows and those have to be followed to successful fulfill the vow of obedience. It is obvious that she does not pray everyday since Chaucer never mentions it and her service to God. She is not obedient to the Rule of order because she acts as an individual rather than a servant to God.
Chaucer explained the Prioress’s etiquette, appearance, and her possessions. With that knowledge the reader can conclude that the Prioress does not live a sheltered life or a life that is solely dedicated to the service of God. It can be easily said that she has violated every vow, but Chaucer never comes out and say it straight forward. He leaves it up to the reader to decide how they picture the Prioress.
The clergy are always assumed to be good people because of what they are taught and their position in the church. People who give themselves to God are believed to be good people at heart because what other kind of person would give their life to serve God’s will. Chaucer talks about the clergy for what they really are, fake. The clergy are not always what they seem to be and Chaucer merely pointed that out. It was about time someone said something, they are given way too much credit.