Merchant; Franklin; Sergeant of the Law. For each of these characters analyse how Chaucer presents them as representatives of the new bourgeoisie. To what extent are they presented simply as representatives of their class, rather than individual?

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Jeremy Pierce 13HJB

        Merchant; Franklin; Sergeant of the Law.

For each of these characters analyse how Chaucer presents them as representatives of the new bourgeoisie. To what extent are they presented simply as representatives of their class, rather than individual?

The Merchant is the first representative of the third estate – those who worked. His description is opened with four lines on his appearance; it is doubtful that attributes such as “a forked beard” were particularly considered traits of the new middle class, which implies the Merchant exists as an individual. The opposing argument, however, starts in the same place; his “faire and fetisly” buckled boots are a sign of the relative prosperity which the new class enjoyed, whilst his most distinguishing aesthetic feature could be said to be the “Flaudnryssh bever hat” – a direct product of his occupation, and his business links with Holland. This would indicate that he is less of a person (with a personality) and more of a representative of his class.

Concentrating now on his speech, of which the next four lines are concerned, everything he discusses is to do with his work. This can be interpreted in one of at least two ways; either that he is a particularly work-obsessed individual, or that in creating an archetype, there is nothing else to this character for him to discuss; he is two dimensional. The second seems more likely, given that his physical appearance is also governed by his trade. Even Chaucer’s own comments on him are concerned with his trade, and do not delve into his personality; in fact, the only information not connected with his job that we are given is that “hye on horse he sat” – that is to say he is proud.

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Unfortunately for the poor Merchant, even this can be seen as evidence for the argument stating he is merely a representative for his class and / or profession. That is to say, the stereotype of the day concerning merchants was that they were not to be trusted; especially not if they dealt in money. It is very easy to imagine that this stereotype went so far as to consider them proud and extremely self-conscious of the position in society which they have earned.

Mocking Chaucer’s own penultimate line on the Merchant is the final statement; “But, sooth to ...

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