After reading · Section 4

Section 4Trades, Healing, and Humble Service

Summary

Five guildsmen wear an impressive common livery suited to civic office, ambitions their wives share. Their Cook is highly skilled but has an ulcer on his shin. The weathered Shipman steals Bordeaux wine, shows little moral scruple toward defeated enemies, and thoroughly knows navigation and European coasts. The Doctor combines medicine with astrology, works profitably with apothecaries, eats moderately, studies the Bible little, and treasures plague-time gold.

The widely traveled Wife of Bath is a successful cloth-maker with striking Sunday clothes, five husbands, sociable wit, and knowledge of love. The poor Parson practices before he preaches: he serves every parishioner in all weather, refuses to abandon his flock for profitable posts, teaches gently, and rebukes obstinacy. His brother, the Ploughman, loves God and neighbor, labors faithfully, helps the poor without pay, and gives honest tithes.

Who’s who

• The five guildsmen and their Cook — Prosperous craftsmen accompanied by a capable but afflicted cook.
• The Shipman — A tough, morally ruthless sailor and expert navigator.
• The Doctor — A learned, financially prudent physician who uses contemporary humoral and astrological medicine.
• The Wife of Bath — A successful cloth-maker, veteran pilgrim, and experienced wife.
• The Parson — A poor priest whose teaching follows his own charitable example.
• The Ploughman — The Parson’s hardworking, generous brother.