Read the following passage and then select the character analysis (A, B,C, or D) that could be effectively supported by textual evidence: There was a Friar, a wanton one and merry,
A Limiter, a very festive fellow.
In all Four Orders there was none so mellow,
So glib with gallant phrase and well-turned speech.
He’d fixed up many a marriage, giving each
Of his young women what he could afford her.
He was a noble pillar to his Order.
Highly beloved and intimate was he
With County folk within his boundary, line
And city dames of honor and possessions;
For he was qualified to hear confessions,
Or so he said, with more than priestly scope;
He had a special license from the Pope.
Sweetly he heard his penitents at shrift
With pleasant absolution, for a gift.
He was an easy man in penance-giving
Where he could hope to make a decent living;
It’s a sure sign whenever gifts are given
To a poor Order that a man’s well shriven...

prelate: a high-ranking priest or clergy member
palfrey: a riding horse
Friar: a monk who has given up all possessions
wanton: used here to mean “carefree”
Limiter: a monk with the right to ask for gifts on which to live and to preach in a limited area
Four Orders: four orders of friars, which are the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians
pillar: a prominent supporter or member
penitents: people seeking absolution or forgiveness for their sins
shrift: in the Catholic Church, the hearing of confessions
absolution: forgiveness; pardon
penance: deeds or prayers required by the church to atone for past sins
shriven: pardoned for one’s sins
Question 9 options:

A)

From the very beginning of this passage, the narrator praises the fine qualities of the Friar. He is respected by all, whether it be the "County Folk" or the "city dames of honor..." He was more than qualified to hear confessions, especially because he held a special license from the Pope. He treated the penitents, those who were sorry for their sins, with respect during their confessions, and relieved their suffering with absolution. The penitents appreciated his kindness and gave him gifts of appreciation. "He was a pillar to his Order."

B)

At first it appears that the Friar is merry, respected, and honorable fellow. He was generous with new brides (he gave them gifts) and liked by everyone. However, there is a shift of tone when the narrator says, "For he was qualified to hear confessions / or so he said." The phrase "or so he said" changes the estimation of this character and it suggests that he has fooled many people. Furthermore, as the narrator describes his method of extracting gifts from those who seek absolution from their sins, the reader is left with the impression that here is another schemer.

C)

The narrator portrays the Friar to be near saintly person, loved and appreciated by all, whether rich or poor, county dweller or sophisticated, wealthy city resident. He kindly gave them guidance and absolution, and in returned they willfully gave him gifts. "It's a sure sign whenever gifts are given / To a poor Order that a man's well shriven."

D)

The Friar is a remarkable human, and "a pillar to his order." As a member of the first estate, he shouldered tremendous responsibilities for providing spiritual counsel for his people, whether they lived in the county or in the city. He had a special license from the Pope. Some may question the interpretation of "Or so he said." However, there is nothing in the subsequent text to suggest he was guilty of any questionable practices. He was given gifts by people who appreciated his kindness.