Friar's Hubert Quotes

Throughout the main "Prologue" as well as "The Friar's Prologue", the characteristics and appearance of the friar, Hubert, is presented in such a way that portrays his character as sly and sinful. With such lines that say, "easy man to give penance when knowing he should gain a good pittance", I am compelled to view Hubert as a sly thief, considering he pockets silver gifted to him by confessors who hope for a better penance. This silver helps Hubert live a comfortable life when he should be living in poverty sufficing on the charitable donations of others through begging. Also, instead of the dirty, tattered clothes which friars typically wear, Hubert dresses like that of a lord, described as "Of double worsted was his semi-cope, that rounded like a bell".

Hubert comes across the wealthy as “courteous” and “humble” because he is manipulative in his actions and his façade which is evident in the quotes, “well could he sing and play”, and “English soft upon his tongue”. Hubert is selfish; rather than spending his time around the poor and aiding them, he visits the taverns and is very familiar among the barmaids and innkeepers. More of Hubert's character is revealed within “The Friar's Prologue”, where he rudely interrupts the Wife of Bath's tale to share his insulting tale of a Summoner. Hubert is too good at his duty, “He was the finest beggar of his house”, so much so, that he abuses the church’s power by exceeding the amount need to live on. Although being complimented by the statement, "no other man so virtuous" in the “Prologue”, Hubert the Friar is the opposite, he is a