by Geoffrey Chaucer Religion, as mentioned in the Pardoner's tale, is one of the many themes he explores. Religion was a cornerstone for a community with enormous cathedrals and involved extravagant spending. Chaucer firmly states his belief that that church is selling salvation to fund a better life for its leaders. Almost like a modern editorial. “So I can preach against the same vice I practice, greed. But even if I am guilty of it, I can make other people turn away from greed and repent bitterly. But this is not my main aim; I preach nothing but greed; and that should suffice for this matter” (Chaucer 271). Chaucer chose settings familiar to ordinary people. The pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral begins in a tavern, feasting and drinking beer. The destination itself, Canterbury Cathedral, a large Gothic style cathedral was revered by most and a cornerstone of community activity. The characters that Chaucer chooses to explore in “The Canterbury Tales” are easily identifiable as people, a knight whose duty is protection. A pardoner, whose relationship with the church, may or may not be of noble intent, depending on your personal assessment of his or her intent. Finally, in The Wife of Bath, an extravagant and highly experienced woman is highlighted for her extravagant behavior and frank conversation that made her stand out in the crowd of other women of the world.