The Summoner is one of the most intriguing and complex characters in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. As a representative of ecclesiastical authority, his role, personality, and moral standing serve as both a reflection and a critique of medieval church practices. This character offers rich insight into societal attitudes towards religion, corruption, and morality during Chaucer’s time. In this article, we will explore the Summoner's character traits, social role, symbolism, and significance within the broader context of The Canterbury Tales.
Introduction to the Summoner
The Summoner appears in the Chaucerian collection as part of the Pardoner’s Tale, The Canterbury Tales' General Prologue, and other stories. His primary function is to summon sinners to ecclesiastical courts for penance, acting as an agent of church discipline. However, Chaucer's portrayal of the Summoner reveals a character who is morally ambiguous, often corrupt, and emblematic of the ecclesiastical abuses prevalent during the late Middle Ages.
Physical Description and Appearance
Chaucer offers a vivid physical description of the Summoner that underscores his untrustworthy and somewhat grotesque nature:
- Face and Features: His face is described as “pale and thin,” with a bald head and scabby black eyebrows.
- Complexion: He is “pimpled and scarred,” suggesting a rough, unhealthy appearance.
- Clothing: The Summoner wears a garland on his head, which may symbolize his ecclesiastical office, but also appears gaudy and out of place.
- Facial Expressions: Chaucer suggests that his face is “scarlet and pimpled,” with a smirk that hints at his duplicitous nature.
This physical depiction reflects his moral and spiritual corruption, emphasizing his outward appearance as a mask for his inner vice.
Personality and Character Traits
The Summoner’s personality is characterized by a combination of greed, deceit, and moral corruption. Chaucer's portrayal depicts him as a figure who exploits his religious authority for personal gain.
Greed and Corruption
- The Summoner is described as greedy, often accepting bribes from those seeking to avoid church punishment.
- He is willing to sell indulgences and forgive sins for money, highlighting his greed and the corruption within the church hierarchy.
- Chaucer satirizes this greed by depicting him as motivated primarily by monetary gain rather than spiritual concern.
Deceit and Hypocrisy
- The Summoner is portrayed as deceptive, often pretending to be pious while engaging in corrupt practices.
- He uses flattery and intimidation to manipulate sinners into confessing their sins.
- Chaucer describes him as knowing the tricks of his trade, including rhetorical deceit to extract confessions or extort money.
Morally Ambiguous and Comic
- While he embodies vice, Chaucer also presents the Summoner with a comic touch, emphasizing the absurdity of his hypocrisy.
- His garish appearance and foul language add to the satirical tone, making him a humorous yet cautionary figure.
- The Summoner’s character embodies the corruption of religious authority, yet also serves to entertain and provoke reflection.
The Role of the Summoner in the Society
During the Middle Ages, the Summoner played a crucial role in the ecclesiastical system, acting as an enforcer of church discipline. However, Chaucer’s depiction exposes the abuses and moral flaws within this role.
Official Duties
- To summon sinners for confession and penance.
- To collect dues and fines for the church.
- To serve as a liaison between the congregation and the ecclesiastical court.
Corruption and Abuse of Power
- Chaucer’s Summoner is shown to abuse his position, accepting bribes and engaging in nefarious dealings.
- He exploits the trust placed in him, aligning with the broader critique of church corruption during Chaucer’s era.
- His dishonest conduct is emblematic of the moral decay Chaucer perceived within the church hierarchy.
Symbolism and Themes Associated with the Summoner
The Summoner embodies several themes and symbols that Chaucer uses to critique religion and society.
Corruption of the Church
- His greed, hypocrisy, and immoral conduct symbolize the corruption within the medieval church.
- Chaucer suggests that official religious figures can be just as fallible and corrupt as laypeople.
Hypocrisy and Deception
- The Summoner’s pretenses reflect the hypocrisy often associated with religious figures who present a facade of piety but act immorally.
- His deceptive tactics highlight the moral duplicity endemic to ecclesiastical authorities.
Mockery and Satire
- Chaucer uses humor and satire to ridicule the Summoner’s appearance and conduct.
- The garland on his head, which should symbolize sanctity, appears gaudy and foolish, emphasizing the ridiculousness of religious pretensions.
The Summoner in the Context of the Other Pilgrims
Within The Canterbury Tales, the Summoner interacts with other characters, often highlighting contrasts and societal observations.
Comparison with the Pardoner
- Both characters are corrupt churchmen, but the Pardoner is more focused on greed for money, while the Summoner is associated with abuse of ecclesiastical authority.
- Chaucer’s portrayal of these characters points to systemic issues within the church.
Interaction with the Pilgrimage Group
- The Summoner is part of the larger pilgrimage community, representing the corruption of religious authority.
- His interactions expose the hypocrisy and moral failings shared among the clergy and laypeople alike.
Critical Interpretations of the Summoner
Scholars have long debated the moral and literary significance of the Summoner.
As a Satirical Device
- Chaucer uses the Summoner as a satirical mirror to criticize the church’s abuses.
- His exaggerated features and immoral behavior serve as caricatures of corrupt clergy.
As a Reflection of Medieval Society
- The Summoner embodies the moral failings and hypocrisy that Chaucer perceived in the medieval religious system.
- His character reveals the tension between religious ideals and practical reality.
Modern Perspectives
- Some scholars interpret the Summoner as a tragic figure, illustrating how societal corruption influences individual morality.
- Others see him as a vehicle of satire, emphasizing Chaucer’s critique of ecclesiastical corruption.
Conclusion
The Summoner in The Canterbury Tales is a richly drawn character that encapsulates themes of corruption, hypocrisy, and societal critique. Through his vivid physical description, morally ambiguous behavior, and satirical portrayal, Chaucer offers a pointed commentary on the church’s moral state during the Middle Ages. He serves as both a humorous figure and a cautionary symbol, reminding readers of the dangers of religious and moral hypocrisy. In the broader tapestry of The Canterbury Tales, the Summoner stands as a testament to Chaucer’s skill in blending humor with social critique, making him one of the most memorable and significant characters in medieval literature.
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Note: This article provides an in-depth examination of the Summoner’s character, themes, and significance, suitable for readers interested in literary analysis, medieval studies, or Chaucer’s works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Summoner in 'The Canterbury Tales' and what is his role?
The Summoner is a church official responsible for summoning individuals to ecclesiastical court for sins and moral offenses. In 'The Canterbury Tales,' he is depicted as a corrupt and lecherous character who abuses his position for personal gain.
How is the Summoner portrayed in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'?
The Summoner is portrayed as a lecherous, dishonest, and superficial figure who has a hideous appearance, often depicted with boils and a sour face. His character exemplifies the corruption and hypocrisy within the church during Chaucer's time.
What is the significance of the Summoner's character in the overall themes of 'The Canterbury Tales'?
The Summoner's character highlights themes of corruption, hypocrisy, and the flawed nature of religious officials. He serves as a critique of the church's moral decay and the abuse of ecclesiastical power in medieval society.
Does the Summoner have a comedic or serious role in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
The Summoner's character adds a comedic and satirical element to the tales. His grotesque appearance and unscrupulous behavior are used by Chaucer to mock and criticize the corruption within church authorities.
Are there any notable stories or references involving the Summoner in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
While the Summoner himself does not tell a story in the General Prologue, he appears in the Pardoner's tale and is referenced in other parts of the collection, often emphasizing themes of greed and moral corruption.
How does the Summoner's depiction reflect medieval attitudes towards church officials?
The depiction of the Summoner as corrupt and grotesque reflects medieval skepticism and criticism of church officials, highlighting concerns about moral decay, abuse of power, and the need for reform within the church.
