What is ironic in the words used by the narrator to describe the Summoner in “The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales?

Question

1)What is ironic in the words used by the narrator to describe the Summoner in “The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales?

You’d meet none better if you went to find one. / Why, he’d allow—just for a quart of wine— / Any good lad to keep a concubine. (ll. 666–668)

2) Respond in a paragraph. Answer is written in complete sentences.

In what way is the character of Sir Gawain different from other epic heroes such as Beowulf?

Answer 1

The Canterbury Tales was written in a time in which the Catholic Church sold indulgences. People would give an "offering" to the church and would receive "forgiveness" for a sin or sins. The summoner in this case was corrupt. He was willing to give an indulgence or forgiveness for a sin (keeping a concubine) in exchange for a quart of wine. His motive was selfish and only for his own pleasure.