The Physician

Chaucer tells us of the magnificent physician in The Canterbury Tales as well.  He claims that the doctor knows the secret behind everything, including things from sicknesses to the stars.  “He knew the cause of everich maladye,” Chaucer says. (Line 419)  Actually, he knows mostly about the stars and is considered an astrologist.  Chaucer makes it seem as if the physician is very important to the fellowship because he can help cure anything and will help every other person a great deal.  He will  gve “the sick man his boot.” (Line 424)  He is also very worldly and knows most books.  He has read over 14 books listed in the passage alone. Also, Chaucer says that he makes good choices and is very healthy.  Chaucer seems to make him clash a bit with the church man and the monk though to say that “he read but little in the Bible.” (Line 438).  But nevertheless he is made out to be very helpful and of good influence to everyone on the pilgrimage.