Tale of a Canterbury Tale

The story I read was the Cook's. It described that he himself was a big boned jolly person, who enjoyed his job, and more importantly what he got out of it (money). Chaucer doesn't go into a ton of detail. From what readers are given it is easy to see that maybe the Cook is neglecting his kitchen, because he has found he can get away with it. Chaucer goes into great detail about the messy kitchen that the cook keeps. He also talks about the cook's new apprentice.

1) In line 4347 the author uses indirect characterization to refer to the Cook selling pies that he had reheated. This shows he is a bit sneaky/lazy

In line 4374 the author gives readers the impression that the apprentice must be good looking, because the Wenches would be lucky to have him.

In line 4386 the author uses irony to describe what a great gambler the apprentice  was, even if it was not his trade.

In line 4406 the author uses simile to compare the apprentice to bad apples, in order make readers understand why the Cook must fire him.

In line 4415 the author shows flaws in the Cook's character, by stating that now he will have to steal and embezzle alone.

2) Chaucer's purpose in telling this tale was to show that there is more depth to a person than meets the eye. He uses imagery and simile to give readers a glimpse into the real life of someone in a Cook's position. He wants readers to understand the different parts of a person, that may not always be put our there for the world to see.