Divers, Lazarus, and The Friar

The Parable of Divers and Lazarus

Chaucer’s communique of the hypocrisy and rebellion among clergy is quite apparent in "The Summoner's Tale." This is accomplished by the low and "corrupt" character of the Friar.

As a member of clergy, he is familiar with Christian ideas and beliefs. He espouses those beliefs, but fails to abide by them. He is not Christ like. What makes the Friar such a base character is the fact that he is keenly aware of the responsibilities of his post, yet does not fulfill these. First, it seems sacrilegious that the Friar preaches “Nat al after the text of the holy write,” but rather from his “simple wit” or interpretation (1789).

Additionally, he is deceptive. When he accepts offering of food from the people he does so under the guise that he will pray for their needs. His fellow or partner, writes down the names of the people on a tablet and then “planed awey the names everychon / That biforn had written in his tables” (1758).

Finally, and perhaps worst of all, the Friar is a hypocrite. His hypocrisy becomes obvious when he uses the Lazar and Dives or Lazarus and Divers parable to illustrate a point about how his sacrifices, like those of Lazarus, lead to better favor with God, and, in turn, more prayers answered. The Friar claims:

            We live in poverte and in abstinence,

            And burel folk in richesse and dispence

            Of mete and drink, and in hir foul delit.

            We han this worldes lust al in despit.

            Lazar and Dives liveden diversly,

            And diverse guerdoun hadden they therby. (1873)

If you watch/listen to the video you will find that he is also aware of the penalty for desiring worldly things, as Divers did. Despite this, when the wife of Thomas asks him what he would like to eat for dinner, he gives a list that does not represent the vow of poverty he has taken.  

Though the Friar is well-versed in biblical truths, he is not a holy man. The character of the Friar is, however, an embodiment of the seven deadly sins- wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony- and would surely meet the fate of Divers.