Canterbury
Tales
The Four Humours
And
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Four Humours

A theory of physiology in which the state of
health—and by extension the state of mind,
or character---depended upon a balance
among the four elemental fluids: blood,
yellow bile, phlegm and black bile. These
were closely allied with the four elements: air,
fire, water and earth. The four humours gave
off vapors ascended to the brain; an
individual’s personal characteristics (physical,
mental and moral) were explained by his or
her “temperament,” or the state of the
person’s “humours.”
Seven Deadly Sins
 Allegory:
a tale in verse or prose in which
characters, actions, or settings represent
abstract ideas or moral qualities
 In the Medieval period, the seven deadly
sins were often personified in literature.
Pride
Arrogance,
impudence and
boasting. The
remedy is
humility.
Envy
Sorrow
for what
others have.
The remedy is to
love God.
Wrath
Anger;
wicked
will for
vengeance. The
remedy is
patience.
Sloth
Laziness,
unproductive.
The remedy is
fortitude.
Avarice
Greed,
a
lecherous desire
for earthly things.
The remedy is
mercy.
Gluttony
An
immeasurable
appetite to eat or
drink. The remedy
is abstinence.
Lust
Uncontrolled
desire for material
and carnal things.
The remedy is
chastity.