What Is A Summoner In The Canterbury Tales

What is a Summoner in The Canterbury Tales? A Deep Dive into Chaucer's Controversial Character

Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a vibrant tapestry of medieval English society, woven together through the stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims journeying to Canterbury Cathedral. Among these pilgrims, the Summoner stands out as a particularly memorable, and arguably, repulsive character. This article will delve deep into the Summoner's role, his societal position, his physical description, and the implications of his presence within Chaucer's masterpiece. We'll explore how Chaucer uses the Summoner to satirize the Church, the legal system, and the hypocrisy prevalent in 14th-century England.

The Summoner's Social Standing: A Lowly but Powerful Figure

The Summoner's social standing within the ecclesiastic hierarchy is crucial to understanding his character. He’s a low-ranking official within the ecclesiastical courts, tasked with summoning individuals accused of violating church law to appear before the courts. This seemingly minor role imbued him with significant power. He could wield his authority to intimidate, extort, and essentially blackmail individuals, leveraging the fear of excommunication or other ecclesiastical punishments to his advantage. His position was, in essence, a form of low-level enforcement, allowing him to exert influence disproportionate to his actual social standing. This power imbalance is a key theme Chaucer explores through the Summoner's characterization.

A Master of Extortion and Corruption

Chaucer paints a vivid picture of a Summoner who shamelessly exploits his position. The Summoner isn’t just corrupt; he’s brazen about it. He openly engages in extortion, accepting bribes to ignore infractions or to manipulate cases. He isn't interested in justice; his primary motivation is personal gain. He uses his knowledge of people's secrets and vulnerabilities to his advantage, leveraging the power of the church to enrich himself. This blatant abuse of power is a central aspect of his character and Chaucer's satirical critique of the Church's corruption.

The Summoner's Physical Description: A Visual Representation of Sin

Chaucer's description of the Summoner's physical appearance is as memorable as it is repulsive. The physical details aren't just random descriptions; they are carefully chosen to represent the moral decay Chaucer associates with him. His physical attributes serve as a visual metaphor for his inner corruption.

A Face Marked by Vice

His face is described as "fire-red," suggesting a fiery temper and perhaps the mark of excessive drinking. This redness contrasts starkly with the pallor associated with pious individuals in medieval art. His skin is described as "choleric," emphasizing his hot-headedness and easily angered disposition. The pimples and sores on his face are not merely cosmetic flaws; they are symbolic representations of his moral failings. They are outward manifestations of the inner corruption and decay that define his character.

Garb and Accoutrements: A Reflection of his Personality

His clothing and accessories further reinforce the image of moral decay. While the exact specifics of his attire are open to interpretation, depending on which manuscript you consult, the general implication is that he is not dressed with the dignity one would expect from a church official. He may wear garish or inappropriate clothing, adding to the overall impression of his disregard for societal norms and his profession's sanctity. His garlic-breath further alienates him and emphasizes his lack of self-care and disregard for others.

The Summoner's Tale: A Reflection of his Character

The Summoner’s own tale provides further insight into his character and Chaucer’s satirical intent. While the tale itself is complex and open to interpretation, it showcases the Summoner's sharp wit and his capacity for revenge. The tale involves a friar who is outsmarted and ultimately humiliated. This reflects the Summoner's own experiences with hypocrisy and corruption within the Church. He uses his story to subtly, and not so subtly, expose the moral flaws he sees in other religious figures. His tale, therefore, is a powerful expression of his resentment and a way to settle scores within the context of the pilgrimage.

A Tale of Revenge and Social Commentary

The Summoner's tale can be interpreted as a form of revenge against the friars, a group he clearly despises. Through his narrative, Chaucer allows the Summoner to voice his grievances against the hypocrisy and moral failings he witnesses within the religious establishment. This adds another layer of complexity to the character; he's not simply a caricature of corruption, but a flawed individual with his own motivations and justifications. The tale serves as a potent social commentary, highlighting the corruption within the Church and reflecting the social tensions of 14th-century England.

The Summoner's Role in Chaucer's Satire: A Multifaceted Critique

The Summoner serves as a multifaceted tool in Chaucer's broader satire. He isn't simply a one-dimensional villain; he's a complex character who embodies multiple aspects of societal corruption.

Satirizing the Church's Hierarchy

Chaucer uses the Summoner to satirize the hierarchical structure of the Church. The Summoner's low-ranking position within the ecclesiastical system allows him to expose the hypocrisy and corruption that permeates the upper echelons. His ability to manipulate and extort showcases the flaws within the system, and his very presence undermines the Church's authority.

Exposing Legal Abuses

The Summoner's role also serves to satirize the legal system of the time. His ability to manipulate legal processes and exploit loopholes exposes the corruption and injustice within the courts. His actions highlight how those in positions of power can abuse the system for personal gain.

Challenging Social Norms

Beyond his specific roles, the Summoner challenges conventional social norms and expectations. His physical repulsiveness, his moral failings, and his blatant disregard for social decorum serve as a powerful critique of societal hypocrisy. He's a character who refuses to conform to the ideals of piety and respectability, thereby highlighting the gulf between idealized social structures and the reality of everyday life.

The Summoner's Legacy: An Enduringly Compelling Character

The Summoner remains one of the most compelling and controversial characters in The Canterbury Tales. His complexity, his repulsiveness, and his role in Chaucer's broader satire continue to fascinate and provoke discussion. He's a character who defies easy categorization, challenging readers to grapple with issues of morality, justice, and the complexities of human nature.

A Character for the Ages

The Summoner transcends his historical context, resonating with readers across centuries. His blatant corruption and willingness to exploit his position remain relevant themes, reflecting timeless human failings and the enduring struggle against injustice. His character serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging authority and holding those in power accountable.

A Symbol of Societal Flaws

The Summoner's enduring appeal lies in his symbolic representation of the flaws within society. His character is a mirror reflecting the hypocrisy, corruption, and injustice that can permeate social institutions. He is a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential for abuse of power and the importance of ethical conduct.

In conclusion, the Summoner in The Canterbury Tales is far more than just a minor character. He's a multifaceted representation of societal flaws, a powerful tool for satire, and an enduringly compelling figure who continues to fascinate and challenge readers centuries after Chaucer penned his tale. His physical description, social standing, his tale, and his role within the broader narrative all contribute to his complexity and his enduring legacy within literary history. He is a testament to Chaucer’s skill as a storyteller and his keen observation of the human condition. His legacy remains a fascinating case study in the art of characterization and the power of satire.