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In the Canterbury Tales we are introduced to the sound and mind of Geoffrey Chaucer. Who was at the time of writing this classic a young aspiring poet who grew up in London, England. Writing became a passion to Chaucer as he balanced work and his love for poetry. The people he encountered daily in life often influenced his writing which is quite evident in the Canterbury Tales. In this classic we are introduced to several characters of different backgrounds that served different purposes to build this story. Chaucer effective usage of selection of details, figurative language, irony, and satire gave us readers a better understanding of people in his time and their culture that can never be forgotten.

Chaucer’s use of selection of detail was quite phenomenal and the way he paints his words to describe each character gives each person their own distinct portrait. The Knight was the first character we are introduced too in the beginning of the story. Chaucer describes the knight as a “Most distinguished man….who followed truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy. The words he uses to represent the knight tell us the reader how he acts and represents himself. But later, as Chaucer continues to describe the knight we are then introduced to his humbleness which was not described in word usage but in the description of what he wears. “He was of sovereign value in all eyes….he possessed fine horses, but he was not gaily dressed…with smudges where his armor had left work; home from service he joined our ranks to do his pilgrimage and render thanks”. In this quote we see that the knight was very humble and despite that he may have had much he did not dwell on material things. Someone who was such in a high position we would think he would feel he was higher then most— but he didn’t because at the end day he joined with rest of his people and render thanks with them like a truly leader should.

“As broad as is a buckler or a shield…..had a...