Merchant

=__The Canterbury Tales__=



The Merchant


====The Merchant in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales was a well-spoken business man of his day. He was always dressed in the finest clothes, including a robe and hat, and rode a horse. The Merchant is an exporter who does very well financially and enjoys having expensive things. Everyone around him knows how successful he is because he is constantly talking about himself and his money. His forked beard makes him look quite different from the business owners in the town. SInce he is the town merchant, he manages exchange rates and profits.====

====There are many characters in the Canterbury Tales. If the Merchant were to have friends from the tales, I believe that he would chose the Friar and the Lawyer. The Friar is like the Merchant because they are both well-spoken and live a high life. They would have a good time talking to each other. The Lawyer is a good companion for the Merchant because he shares his love of fine clothes. The Lawyer gives good advice and could help the Merchant improve his speech and wisdom. These are excellent friend matches for the Merchant.====

272 A MERCHANT was there with a forkèd beard, In motley,1 and high on horse he sat, 273 Upon his head a Flandrish beaver hat, 274 His boots claspèd fair and fetisly. 275 His reasons he spoke full solémpnèly, //This quote gives the physical description of the Merchant.//

278 Well could he in Exchangè shieldès sell. 279 This worthy man full well his wit beset — //He knows the ways business works and how to make money.//

280 There wistè no wight that he was in debt, 281 So stately was he of his governance 282 With his bargains and with his chevissance. //Here we see that the Merchant is actually in debt, but no one knows his secret.//