Geoffrey Chaucer

Though it is not pleasant thought, it cannot be denied the importance of the physical and material features in determinating ones social rank. However, as Geoffrey Chaucer illustrates in his 14th century work, "The Canterbury Tales", this may not have had any correlation to one's actual position in society. In this piece, Chaucer presents characters of various social degrees as traveling pilgrims, each one telling a story that is representative of their respective class. From …

…the church. What is not clear and perhaps never will be, is exactly why there is such a strong emphasis placed on elitism. These people, being members of the church, should have known the importance spiritual love as opposed to the earthly love associated with their many acts of insincerity. By presenting these characters, Geoffrey Chaucer shows both appreciation of these less then desirable qualities and presents a warning to the fleetingness of material things.