* Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning. Chaucer uses the phrase "noble pillar" to describe the Friar, but throughout the passage, he reveals the Friar to be anything but noble. He is greedy, manipulative, and takes advantage of people.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
* Hyperbole is an exaggeration for emphasis. While Chaucer might use some exaggeration, the "noble pillar" statement is a clear example of irony, not hyperbole.
* Poor grammar is not a literary device, and Chaucer's writing is generally considered to be quite skillful.
* Parentheses are used for additional information, but they are not a literary device used to describe a character in the way Chaucer is doing.
Let me know if you have any other questions!