Canteburry tales comparison
...ce is expressed through a proverb that the Parson shares “ That if gold rust, what then will iron do? / For if a priest be foul in whom we trust / No wonder that a common man should rust;” (ll.510-12). This proverb shares the Parsons feeling that if a priest cannot even follow the Bible than how can a normal man follow the Bible. The most prominent difference that is clearly pointed out by the author is that no matter rain or shine the Parson will go and visit those in his congregation that are ill or grief stricken. The Friar on the other hand does not feel that these visits are important since they will not be the ones to give him money and it could not possibly benefit him “ Of his position dealing with such scum. / It isn’t decent, nothing good can come / Of having truck with slum-and-gutter dwellers, / But only with the rich and victual-sellers.” (ll. 249-52). This quote truly shows the Friars take on those less fortunate; he does not care about anyone unless they have money to give to him. The Parson gives to those that were in need from his own goods, this would be something that would be completely unheard of according to the Friar, and he was supposed to be the one receiving money and goods, not giving them out. The Friar tried to make it look like he was just a helpless clergyman that was sentenced to earth to beg for everything that he had. He took money that was meant for the church and kept it for himself to support his own habits. The Parson did not agree with those that took from the church and kept it for their prosperity “He much disliked extorting tithe or fee” (l. 496). The friar took great pride in his appearance which would have been important if he kept the company of wealthy people, this was a far concern for the Parson he was simply happy to have clothes and if so req...