Answer :
I believe the correct answer from the choices listed above is the second option. Chaucer uses irony to describe the faults and shortcomings of all the pilgrims from the clerical estate. Hope this answers the question. Have a nice day.
The answer is D: pilgrims from all three states.
The faults and shortcomings of the pilgrims are described with different levels of mockery, It didn't matter if they were from nobility (Knight, Wife of Bath), church (Pardoner, Nuns' Priest, Summoner, Prioress) or peansentry (Miller, Reeve), all thre estates. He even apologizes for being too harsh or rude.