Faith in the Canterbury Tales

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            The term “company,” which Chaucer used quite frequently throughout the Canterbury Tales is used several ways that are very similar to how it is used today. First off, Chaucer uses the term company in reference to the people that an individual spends time with. “God save al this faire compaignye (3108),” this quote represents just the example of the Knight’s ending. Secondly, Chaucer uses the term company in an economical sense that relates to businesses. During the medieval times the well-being of the society depended on the workers relations together. If the individuals were not getting along it would affect trading and other work, which in turn affected the entire society.

            This could be a direct relationship to Chaucer’s faith. In the Christian faith the term is more commonly known as “fellowship.” For example in the Acts 2:42 of the Bible it says “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, and to fellowship, and to sharing meals, and to prayer.” Most of chapter 2 of Acts is about fellowship and how it is a direct commandment of God, that humans are to interact. Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes our inherent need to be around each other not only for social interaction but for strength in Him. We are to spend time with people of our faith so that we, as Christians, can grow and learn in our faith. The fact that Chaucer makes reference to the social relationships being directly related to the well being of society is a direct parallel to what God says of fellowship. Another verse says that “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” If the people within the society sought to better the society, they would, if the were not willing to work together or were unable to make amends, then society would suffer. 

            This could also be interpreted in a manner that suggests that the absence of God  (the absence of people working together) affects, and hurts the well being of society.  Philippians 4:13 of the Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In the time of the Canterbury Tales, if the members of a society were steadfast with each other then they could have prosperity or organize themselves into a rebellion all because of their social ties. These ties have a direct correlation with Chaucer’s faith too. This is because God says through Him we can do anything, but alone we are nothing. Chaucer uses a tightly nit society as a symbol of what people must strive for within their faith, which is ultimately a deep relationship with God and fellowship with others.