1. Using Contrasting Physical Descriptions:
* The Wife of Bath: Chaucer describes her as "bold of face" and "gap-toothed", suggesting she's a strong, independent woman who isn't afraid to express herself. This contrasts with the traditional image of a submissive wife, hinting at Chaucer's admiration for her outspokenness.
* The Pardoner: He's described as having "hair as yellow as wax", "a bulging eye", and a "voice like a goat". This deliberately grotesque image evokes a sense of disgust and suspicion, reflecting Chaucer's view of the Pardoner's corrupt practices.
2. Emphasizing Physical Features:
* The Knight: He's "a true, perfect gentle knight" with "stained with rust" armor. This implies a man of action and experience, not one obsessed with appearances. The rust suggests his dedication to his duties rather than superficial concerns.
* The Prioress: She is described as "coy and full of dainty ways", with "a nose that was elegant and small". This exaggerated focus on her physical appearance emphasizes her vanity and artificiality, which Chaucer clearly finds amusing.
3. Using Metaphor and Symbolism:
* The Miller: He's "big-boned" and "broad in the back", with a "gap-toothed mouth". This suggests a strong, earthy character, but the "gap-toothed mouth" also hints at his tendency for crude humor and his lack of refinement.
* The Friar: He's "a jolly friar, a merry man," with "a license to beg" and a "round belly." This seemingly positive description is undercut by the association of his "license" with his greed and the "round belly" signifying gluttony.
4. Focusing on Clothing and Possessions:
* The Merchant: He's described as wearing a "motley" (mixed-color) coat, which suggests a superficial concern for appearances and a possible hidden agenda.
* The Monk: He enjoys "hunting and fine clothes" and has a "love of good living." This hints at his desire for luxury and his disregard for the traditional monastic lifestyle, highlighting Chaucer's criticism of the Church's corruption.
By skillfully employing these techniques, Chaucer reveals his complex and often ironic perspective on his characters. While some are presented favorably, others are depicted as hypocritical, corrupt, or simply ridiculous. The physical descriptions act as a window into their personalities and into Chaucer's own judgment of their actions and values.