From corrupt politicians to the Real Housewives of Orange County, symbols of hypocrisy in modern society exude characters ripe for criticism. These symbols also exist in Geoffrey Chaucer's important anthropological work, The Canterbury Tales, attesting to the endurance of class structure and its effect on human behavior throughout history. To describe his interpretation of society during the Middle Ages, Chaucer satirizes the differences between his characters' flaws and their perceived rightness, implying that their selfishness impedes their ability to act morally. Specifically, it targets three aspects of society that collapse under the power of hypocrisy: competence, wealth, and religion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay While readers expect educated characters to convey respectable qualities, Chaucer exploits their pretentiousness instead. They focus too much on their esteemed image in society and too little on their actual work. The Sergeant of the Law, a supposedly wise man, "was less busy than he seemed" (Chaucer 322). Exudes an exaggerated air of professionalism to earn respect. Likewise, the Doctor acts extremely knowledgeable in the field of medicine, but his unscientific methods indicate his fraud. 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; however, he holds himself in high regard and expects others to do the same. The combination of pride and deceit of these characters does not give a respectable image. Chaucer takes a negative approach towards the growing upper class through his mockery of their excessive indulgences. These characters appear foolish because their extravagant displays of wealth surpass the refined behavior readers expect from them. The Merchant, for example, wore “a Flemish beaver hat and boots with elegant buckles” (284) and “suffered on his capital increase” (285-286). He exhibits holier-than-thou behavior to demonstrate 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 vainglorious side of wealth. Everything he does contributes to his glamorous image. Although he projects a different outward appearance than the Merchant, both he and the Merchant remain selfish to the core. Their top priority in flaunting their status becomes their weakness. Above all, Chaucer highlights the lack of true dedication to the values ​​of the Church on the part of religious figures. Instead of adhering to Christian morality, they live by their own rules. The Monk's non-traditionally religious lifestyle clearly illustrates his disdain for religion. Instead, “he took the more 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 "a beautiful gray fur coat, the finest in the land" (198) and likes "better a fat, roasted swan whole" (210). These details demonstrate that the Monk, like upper-class characters, overindulges in material pleasures. Similarly, Chaucer suggests that the friar also lives too lavishly with the money he earns. The Friar “was an easy man in doing penance” (222) e.