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In summary: Chaucer presents the Oxford Clerk as the ideal intellectualu2014poor in material wealth but rich in knowledge, virtue, and dedication to education. He lives simply and devotes his life to philosophy and study, embodying the values of a true scholar.
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The Tale of Geoffrey The Clerk Presented by: Sakina Instructor: Irshaq Hussain Course: Classical Poetry
The Clerk, also known as the Oxford Cleric, is one of the most admired characters in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. He is a student of philosophy at Oxford University. Unlike the other pilgrims, he is humble, quiet, and deeply devoted to learning. He is described as poor because he spends all his money on books and learning rather than on clothes or luxuries. His tale reflects his moral and intellectual nature, showcasing themes of patience, virtue, and divine justice. Chaucer presents him as a model of scholastic dedication and moral integrity.
Geoffrey Chaucer's Clerk: Original Text 290 And he too was not fat, that I take, But he looked emaciated, moreover, abstemiously. Very worn off was his overcoat; for he Had got him yet no churchly benefice, Nor he was worldly to accept secular office. 295 For he would rather have at his bed's head Some twenty books, all bound in black or red, Of Aristotle and his philosophy Than rich robes, fiddle, or gay psaltery. Yet, and for all he was philosopher in base,
300 He had but little gold within his suitcase; But all that he might borrow from a friend On books and learning he would swiftly spend, And then he'd pray diligently for the souls Of those who gave him resources to attend schools. 305 He took utmost care and heed for his study. Not one word spoke he more than was necessary; And that was said with due formality and dignity And short and lively, and full of high morality. Filled with moral virtue was his speech; 310 And gladly would he learn and gladly teach.
Physical Appearance and Poverty: “A CLERK from Oxford was there also,Who'd studied philosophy, long ago.As lean was his horse as is a rake,And he too was not fat, that I take,But he looked emaciated, moreover, abstemiously.” • The Clerk is very thin, and so is his horse—showing both are underfed, • a symbol of poverty. • “Abstemiously” suggests he lives a life of self-denial and discipline, focused • Moreon the mind than the body. • His worn clothes further highlight his lack of wealth.
Values and Priorities: “Very worn off was his overcoat; for heHad got him yet no churchly benefice,Nor he was worldly to accept secular office.” • He hasn’t obtained a paid position in the Church or a secular job. • He’s not interested in worldly gain or comfort, only in learning.
Love for Books: “For he would rather have at his bed's headSome twenty books, all bound in black or red,Of Aristotle and his philosophyThan rich robes, fiddle, or gay psaltery.” • Instead of wealth or entertainment, he values books, especially those of Aristotle. • His intellectual pursuits come before pleasure or luxury.
Use of Money: “He had but little gold within his suitcase;But all that he might borrow from a friendOn books and learning he would swiftly spend,And then he'd pray diligently for the soulsOf those who gave him resources to attend schools.” • He is poor, but any money he does get is spent on books, not on himself. • He prays for those who help him, showing gratitude and spiritual depth.
Speech and Behavior: “He took utmost care and heed for his study.Not one word spoke he more than was necessary;And that was said with due formality and dignityAnd short and lively, and full of high morality.Filled with moral virtue was his speech;And gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” • He is quiet, thoughtful, and only speaks when necessary. • His speech is dignified, meaningful, and moral. • His greatest joy is in both learning and teaching.
Moral Traits of the Clerk • Humble and respectful in speech • Speaks only when necessary and wisely • Prefers knowledge over wealth • Lives a simple life focused on learning • Desires to teach moral lessons through stories
Literary Devices and Style Rhyme Royal Seven-line stanza form ABABBCC Didactic Tone Intended to teach moral lessons Authority Inspired by Petrarch's writings
Summary: Chaucer presents the Oxford Clerk as the ideal intellectual—poor in material wealth but rich in knowledge, virtue, and dedication to education. He lives simply and devotes his life to philosophy and study, embodying the values of a true scholar.
References • Benson, Larry D., ed. The Riverside Chaucer, 1987. • Cooper, Helen. The Canterbury Tales, Oxford, 1996. • Kolve & Olson, eds. The Canterbury Tales, Norton, 2005. • Burrow, John. Geoffrey Chaucer, Oxford, 1977. • Pearsall, Derek. The Canterbury Tales, Allen & Unwin, 1985. • Burnley, David. Guide to Chaucer's Language, 1983. • Traversi, Derek. The Canterbury Tales: A Reading, 1983. • Kittredge, G.L. Chaucer's Discussion of Marriage, 1984. • David, Alfred. The Strumpet Muse, Indiana U Press, 1976. • Mann, Jill. Chaucer and Medieval Estates Satire, 1973.
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/canterbury/ • https://chaucer.fas.harvard.edu/pages/canterbury-tales • https://www.britannica.com/biography/Geoffrey-Chaucer • https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/c/the-canterbury-tales/ • https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/geoffrey-chaucer • https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-canterbury-tales
