Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet whose most famous work was "The Canterbury Tales". The Canterbury Tales continue to be recognized for Chaucer's beautiful rhythm of language and his characteristic use of intelligent, satirical wit. (A+E Networks) According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, satire is a literary form in which human or individual vices, follies, abuses or shortcomings are censored through ridicule. (“Satire” Encyclopedia Britannica) In this case, when each character in The Canterbury Tales stands up to speak, Chaucer inserts some remarks that might offend the audience to make a point. The three main places where Chaucer's satire is prominent are in the General Prologue, when the Wife of Bath speaks, and when the Pardoner speaks. To begin, Chaucer uses satire in the General Prologue. This prologue begins by explaining how a group of people set out on a pilgrimage. The narrator then takes the time to explain many of the people actually present. As part of the satire, we get characteristics thought to be typical of particular occupations, but greatly exaggerated. (Editorial by Shmoop) Some examples would be the wart on the Miller's nose, or the wound oozing pus on the Cook's leg. Since Knights are supposed to fight battles, the Knight in this story has fought in practically every battle for the last twenty years! In those days women were thought to be lustful but married, well the Wife of Bath mentioned had five husbands excluding her numerous lovers. When introducing the Prioress, Chaucer uses satire by saying, "Indeed she was not underadult at all" (line 160), implying that she may have been a little plump. The intended audience for this section of the paper is the common people and the average... middle of the paper......y Chaucer." Bio True Story. A+E Networks, nd Web. November 24, 2013. . Day, Lauren. “What does Chaucer satirize in The Pardoner's Tale?” Ask.com, n.d. Web, 24 November 2013. .Felbi, K. M. “Romanticism, Satire and Contradictions on Chaucer's Wife of Bath.” Web. November 24, 2013. "Satire". N. pag. Concise Encyclopedia Web. Shmoop editorial team " Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. November 24. 2013. .