Character Sketch of The Merchant, Clerk of Oxford and The Doctor of Physic

 Character Sketch of the Merchant:

The Merchant is depicted by Chaucer as a typical businessman, who expressed his opinion in a most solemn manner.  He always claimed an increase in his business profits.  He talked mostly of his commercial enterprises.  He had a knock for selling at a profit the French crowns which he received for his goods.  He also made a profit by lending money on interest.  He was not quite upright in his business dealings.

The Merchant had a forked beard.  He wore multi - coloured clothes and sat high on his horse.  On his head he wore a Flemish beaver hat.  His boots were fastened neatly and elegantly.  As he was an exporter, he wanted that the sea between the port of Middelburgh and the river Orwell should be guarded at any cost against the danger from pirates.

The Merchant never felt confused or puzzled but always retained his wits.  He conducted his dealings his bargains, and his borrowings with such dignity that no one came to know that he was in debt.  He was truly a worthy man.

                                                                                                                                                  

Character of the Clerk of the Oxford:

The term 'Clerk' was applied in previous ( ancient ) days to any ecclesiastical student.  Chaucer's Clerk of Oxford might be regarded as a member of the clergy engaged in advanced studied.

Clerk of Oxford had studied logic for a long time.  He had a horse which was thin like a rake.  He himself was not fat.  He always looked hollow - cheeked and was self - restrained.  His outer cloak was absolutely worn - out because he was not worldly enough to seek a job.  He would rather have a t his bed's head twenty books, bound in black and red of Aristotle and his philosophy than acquire rich garments, or a fiddle, or a gay harp.  Much of his study was devoted to the works of Aristotle.  Although he was a philosopher, he had hardly any gold in his possession.  He spent on books and learning all the money that he might get from his friends, and he devotedly prayed for the welfare of the souls of those who provided him with the resources for his studies.  

The Clerk did not speak even a word more than was necessary, and what little he spoke was spoken in a most appropriate and modest manner.  He spoke briefly and animatedly.  What he spoke was pregnant with noble thoughts.  His speech was eloquent with moral virtue, and he took pleasure in both learning and teaching.

                                                                                                                                                  

Character Sketch of the Doctor of Physic:

The Doctor of Physic was one of the pilgrims in 'The General Prologue' by Geoffery Chaucer.  The Doctor of Medicine was great authority on the treatment of various diseases.

The Doctor had thoroughly studies the science of the influence of the stars on human affairs, and especially on the health of individuals.  He watched his patients very carefully during the time of the different conjunctions of the planets so as to apply his remedies at the most appropriate moment.  He was skilful in choosing the time for making talismans for his patients, because it was necessary to be careful in choosing such times so that the influence of the planets could make the talismans most effective.

The Doctor of Physic knew the cause of every sickness.  He knew whether a sickness was due to an excess of heat or cold or moisture or dryness in the patients's body.  He knew the source of a disease and the particular humour from which it resulted.  He was most perfect practitioner of medicine.  Having found the cause and the origin of a patient's disease, he at once administered to him the appropriate remedy.  He had his chemists who were all ready to send him drugs and medicines, because he and they mutually helpe done another to make profits out of this trade.

The Doctor was moderate in his diet which never included anything unnecessary.  His knowledge of the Bible was very meagre.  His clothes were blood - red and blue - grey in colour.  He had preserved all the money that he had made during the time of the plague.