The General Prologue to Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales introduces the various pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, depicting people from different social classes and occupations, including seven church officials ranging from idealistic to corrupt. Chaucer seems to esteem the idealistic characters like the Parson while poking fun at or criticizing the more corrupt officials like the Pardoner. The tales then told by the pilgrims provide insights into their personalities and perspectives on religion and society in 14th century England.