Physician's Tale Corruption Essay

Geoffrey Chaucer uses the characters in The Physician’s Tale to expose the corruption of the court system; emphasize the absurdity of a knight’s Code of Chivalry; and exemplify the manner in which such corruption preys on the virtuous.
The story’s theme of corruption portrays itself through Appius, the town judge, who is characterized as a conniving and deceitful individual. This is first seen when he passes by Virginia, after which he is instantly enamored by her beauty and overcome with lustful desires. During this moment he said to himself, “’I’ll have that girl whether I sink or swim!’ At once the devil entered into him, whose machinations then began to stir and teach him how to have his will of her” (Chaucer 235). Consequently, Appius’ mind becomes bent on obtaining the woman of his desires and thus his
For example, “[when] he agreed to all that had been said of his accursed plan the judge was glad and gave him precious gifts, the best he had” (236). His act of bribing Claudius demonstrates his devious nature as well as an abuse of the wealth and power that he possesses. Furthermore, with the help of Claudius, the judge is able to create a false court case in which Claudius accuses Virginius of stealing Virginia, whom the two pose as a slave. Not only is Virginius confronted with a false accusation, but he also is not given a fair opportunity to prove his innocence. For this reason, “Virginius stared in horror at the churl [Claudius], but quickly, ere he could defend his girl and prove it on his honor at a knight, or bring host of witness, as he might, that all was false his enemy had stated, this cursed judge [Appius], who never so much as waited to hear the answer of Virginius, spoke out once and gave his judgement thus: ‘I rule this fellow is to have his slave immediately” (237). Appius, while acting as a court judge, was able to arrange a predetermined trial with