Sergeant at Law
What is the Sergeant at Law’s job?
He is a lawyer and judge.
What does the Oxford Cleric love the most?
Learning and books.
What is the Doctor of Medicine’s primary motivation, beyond patient care?
Financial gain; profit over law
What is ironic about the Doctor of Medicine?
He is skilled but cares more about wealth than healing.
What does the Sergeant at Law’s wealth say about his success?
He profits from his legal work, showing how knowledge leads to power.
Why does the Sergeant at Law remember every legal case?
It helps him maintain his authority and reputation.
How does the Oxford Cleric afford his studies?
He borrows money from friends and prays for them in return.
What does the Doctor’s diet reveal about his personality?
He eats only for health, avoiding pleasure, showing discipline and greed.
How does the Doctor use his knowledge to make money?
He works with apothecaries to overcharge patients.
How does Chaucer portray law and medicine as sources of power?
Both professions use expertise to gain status and money.
How does Chaucer use irony to describe the Sergeant at Law’s work ethic?
He seems very busy but is not as occupied as he appears.
Why is the Oxford Cleric’s appearance important to his character?
His thin body and old clothes show he values knowledge over wealth.
How does Chaucer satirize the Doctor’s medical knowledge?
He relies on astrology and profits from unnecessary treatments.
How does Chaucer critique education through the Oxford Cleric?
He shows that true learning does not always lead to wealth or success.
How does Chaucer contrast the Oxford Cleric and the Doctor of Medicine?
The Cleric seeks knowledge for wisdom, while the Doctor uses it for wealth.