General Prologue

I took note of the groupings that Chaucer unites in the general prologue. While most of the travelers on this journey are presented individually, Chaucer introduces ten of the characters together. I found these groupings interesting. The first group, Haberdasshere, Carpenter, Webbe, Dyere and a Tapicer (361-362) all make tangible goods. (with the exception of the Haberdasshere who sells tangible goods so the others may make them into other things.) The second grouping is a rather different sort.  A Reve, a MIllere, a Somnour, a Pardoner, a Maunciple, and the narrator himself. None of these professions produce anything tangible. These professions manage, collect or sell goods.  These professions are also employed by a ruling party, either a lord or the clergy. (again one exception, the Miller.) Curiously, the narrator places himself among this group. Is this self-deprecation on the part of Chaucer or is  he intoning that the act of writing is merely a profession meant to serve and please the privileged of a society?