(464-467).
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A worthy and modest woman indeed! No woman of any decency would parade around with her belongings nor go to church wearing red (a color that suggests lust). Chaucer shows that the Woman is lustful and uncommitted because, "[she has] had five husbands, all at the church/door" (470). By having five husbands, Chaucer shows that she is not devoted to a single person, and is always yearning for someone new. What's more is when Chaucer writes, " [she] knew the remedies for love's mischances" (485). This statement suggests that she is an abortionist. Chaucer implies that she is not only lustful, but she is irresponsible when it comes to the consequences for her actions. He also emphasizes the fact that she does not sincerely care about the church or religion, but only looks out for herself and how she appears to others. Through this character, Chaucer satirizes the hypocrisy of immoral women of his time.
Another character whom Chaucer heavily criticizes for shameful actions is the misleading Doctor. While a legitimate doctor does not try to take advantage of his clients, Chaucer's Doctor takes advantage and more. He knows astronomy (a respectable science in Chaucer's day), and knows every patient's "humor" to help align the patient with favorable astrological signs:.
For being grounded in astronomy,.
He watched his patient closely for the hours.
When, by his horoscope, he knew the powers.
Of favorable planets, then ascendant,.
Worked on the images for his dependent.
The cause of every malady you"d got.
He knew, and whether dry, cold, moist or hot,.
He knew their seat, their humor and condition.
He was a perfect practicing physician (424-432).
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The Doctor takes advantage of his patient by the mere fact that he is the only one who knows such "valuable knowledge." What's more important is that the Doctor has a clan of pharmacists at hand who, "[give] the man his medicine then and there/ [since they are] ready with drugs he would prescribe/And each [makes] money from the other's guile"(436-437).
