From corrupt politicians to The Real Housewives of Orange County, the symbols of hypocrisy in modern society yield characters ripe for criticism. These symbols also exist in Geoffrey Chaucer's important anthropological work, The Canterbury Tales, attesting to the persistence of class structure and its impact on human behavior throughout history. To describe his interpretation of society in the Middle Ages, Chaucer satirizes the differences between his characters' flaws and their perceived propriety, implying that their selfishness hinders their ability to act morally. Specifically, it targets three aspects of society that are collapsing under the power of hypocrisy: expertise, wealth, and religion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay While readers expect well-educated characters to convey respectable qualities, Chaucer instead exploits their pretentiousness. They focus too much on their esteemed image in society and not enough on their actual work. The sergeant of the law, a supposedly wise man, “was less busy than he appeared to be” (Chaucer 322). He exudes an exaggerated air of professionalism to gain respect. Likewise, the Doctor is extremely knowledgeable in the field of medicine, but his unscientific methods indicate his fraudulence. Although “he was a perfect practicing physician” (432), he practiced “according to his horoscope” (426), treating his patients with diagnoses that alluded to mythology. His ambition far exceeds his scientific abilities; nevertheless, he holds himself in high regard and expects others to do the same. The combination of pride and deception of these characters does not make for a reputable image. Chaucer takes a negative approach towards the growing upper class by mocking their excesses. These characters appear stupid because their extravagant displays of wealth overwhelm the refined behavior readers expect from them. The Merchant, for example, wore “a Flemish beaver hat and delicately buckled boots” (284) and “repeated his capital increase” (285-286). He displays a holier-than-thou attitude to show that he wants everyone to recognize his economic superiority. Chaucer also criticizes the Squire, who “was embroidered like a bright meadow” (91). The squire, unlike his noble father, represents the more boastful side of wealth. Everything he does contributes to his charming image. Although he projects a different exterior than the Merchant, he and the Merchant remain fundamentally selfish. Their top priority when flaunting their status becomes their weakness. Most importantly, Chaucer highlights the religious figures' lack of true dedication to the values ​​of the Church. Rather than respecting Christian morality, they live by their own rules. The monk's non-traditional lifestyle clearly illustrates his contempt for religion. Instead, he “chose the most spacious path of the modern world” (180). His physiognomy also indicates his inner worth: he is bald, fat and ugly, implying that he also lacks inner grace. He wears “fine gray fur, the finest in the country” (198) and enjoys “a whole fat, roasted swan” (210). These details prove that the Monk, like the characters of high society, abuses material pleasures. Likewise, Chaucer suggests that the brother also lives too generously with the money he earns. The brother “was a man easy to do penance” (222) and “knew the taverns of each village well” (244). His carefree attitude upsets.