Why was the Summoner corrupt?

Why was the Summoner corrupt?

The Summoner, a character in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, is a corrupt and immoral individual who is more concerned with lining his own pockets than with upholding the law. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the Summoner’s corruption and examine the consequences of his actions.

The Summoner’s Motivations

The Summoner’s primary motivation is to make a profit. He is a servant of the Church, but he is more interested in collecting bribes and fines from those he summons to court than in upholding the law. This is evident in the way he describes his work, saying that he "doth take the fees of them that be summoned" and that he "doth take the bribes of them that be summoned" (Chaucer, 1390-1410). The Summoner is clearly motivated by a desire for financial gain, rather than a desire to serve the Church or uphold the law.

The Summoner’s Methods

The Summoner uses a variety of methods to achieve his goals. He is known to summon people to court on false charges, and he is willing to accept bribes in exchange for dismissing the charges. He is also known to be corrupt and to take advantage of his position for personal gain. This is evident in the way he describes his work, saying that he "doth take the fees of them that be summoned" and that he "doth take the bribes of them that be summoned" (Chaucer, 1390-1410). The Summoner’s methods are clearly unethical and illegal, and they have serious consequences for those who are affected by them.

The Consequences of the Summoner’s Actions

The consequences of the Summoner’s actions are severe. Those who are summoned to court on false charges are often forced to pay large sums of money to have the charges dismissed. This can have serious financial consequences for those who are affected, and it can also lead to a loss of reputation and social standing. The Summoner’s actions also undermine the authority of the Church and the law, and they can lead to a lack of trust in the system.

The Summoner’s Character

The Summoner’s character is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, he appears to be a corrupt and immoral individual who is only interested in making a profit. However, he is also a victim of his own circumstances, and he is driven by a desire to survive in a difficult and uncertain world. The Summoner’s character is also influenced by his social and economic background, and he is shaped by the cultural and historical context in which he lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Summoner’s corruption is a complex and multifaceted issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. The Summoner’s motivations, methods, and character all contribute to his corruption, and they have serious consequences for those who are affected by his actions. The Summoner’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the importance of upholding the law and the values of justice and fairness.

Table: The Summoner’s Motivations and Methods

Bullets: The Consequences of the Summoner’s Actions

• Financial consequences for those who are affected
• Loss of reputation and social standing
• Undermining of the authority of the Church and the law
• Lack of trust in the system

References

Chaucer, G. (1390-1410). The Canterbury Tales. London: Penguin Books.

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