Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is the Miller's Tale following the Knight's Tale so significant?
Why is the Miller's Tale following the Knight's Tale so significant?
It's an honor following the Knight's tale because of his nobility and the tale's nobility as well.
How does the Miller's Tale relate to the Knight's Tale?
How does the Miller's Tale relate to the Knight's Tale?
It is a parody of the Knight's Tale, mocking its chivalry with vulgarity and also parodying courtly love.
Who is ridiculed the most in the Miller's Tale?
Who is ridiculed the most in the Miller's Tale?
John the carpenter
Who is the doof and who is the cunning one?
Who is the doof and who is the cunning one?
Why does the Reeve have such opposition and angst towards the Miller's Tale?
Why does the Reeve have such opposition and angst towards the Miller's Tale?
Why did John marry Alison?
Why did John marry Alison?
Why does the Miller secretly want to discredit the Knight?
Why does the Miller secretly want to discredit the Knight?
What does the Miller's mockery of the Knight reveal about society?
What does the Miller's mockery of the Knight reveal about society?
Why is Absalom's behavior/motivation ironic?
Why is Absalom's behavior/motivation ironic?
What is Nicholas' character and how is it advantageous for him?
What is Nicholas' character and how is it advantageous for him?
How does Nicholas captivate Alison?
How does Nicholas captivate Alison?
Why is the song sung to Alison by Nicholas ironic?
Why is the song sung to Alison by Nicholas ironic?
Define Juvenalian Satire.
Define Juvenalian Satire.
Define Horatian Satire.
Define Horatian Satire.
Define Farce.
Define Farce.
Define Parody.
Define Parody.
Define Situational Irony.
Define Situational Irony.
Define Dramatic Irony.
Define Dramatic Irony.
Define Bawdy Humor.
Define Bawdy Humor.
Define Scatological Humor.
Define Scatological Humor.
Define Ridicule.
Define Ridicule.
Define Verbal Irony.
Define Verbal Irony.
Define Pun/Double Entendre.
Define Pun/Double Entendre.
Define Sarcasm.
Define Sarcasm.
Define Innuendo.
Define Innuendo.
Define Hyperbole.
Define Hyperbole.
Define Understatement.
Define Understatement.
Define Bathos.
Define Bathos.
Why is the Miller's Tale in quotes, while the Canterbury Tales is in italics?
Why is the Miller's Tale in quotes, while the Canterbury Tales is in italics?
Which class of character does the Knight's Tale most please?
Which class of character does the Knight's Tale most please?
Who does the Host desire to follow the Knight with a tale; why does this character make sense in terms of class?
Who does the Host desire to follow the Knight with a tale; why does this character make sense in terms of class?
How does the Miller's prologue illustrate his drunkenness?
How does the Miller's prologue illustrate his drunkenness?
The Host's inn is in Southwark; how does the Miller implicate the Host in his drunkenness?
The Host's inn is in Southwark; how does the Miller implicate the Host in his drunkenness?
If a man that has no wife is no cuckold, then any man with a wife.....
If a man that has no wife is no cuckold, then any man with a wife.....
What is the Miller's advice about trying to control wives or knowing everything about their business?
What is the Miller's advice about trying to control wives or knowing everything about their business?
How does Chaucer use the frame narrative to create a sense of realism?
How does Chaucer use the frame narrative to create a sense of realism?
In terms of class structure and human nature, what does the Miller represent?
In terms of class structure and human nature, what does the Miller represent?
How is John the Carpenter described in the opening?
How is John the Carpenter described in the opening?
Cato claims that a man should marry within his class and near his age--what effect does John's break with this philosophy cause?
Cato claims that a man should marry within his class and near his age--what effect does John's break with this philosophy cause?
Alison is The Miller's parody of the courtly lady; note how color, clothing, and animal imagery abound here.
Alison is The Miller's parody of the courtly lady; note how color, clothing, and animal imagery abound here.
Examine Nicholas' talents again. How is one of his talents especially complementary to one of Alison's?
Examine Nicholas' talents again. How is one of his talents especially complementary to one of Alison's?
What are some details of the Miller's mockery of courtly love?
What are some details of the Miller's mockery of courtly love?
How long must Nicholas court the 'reluctant' Alison before they make 'sweet music' together?
How long must Nicholas court the 'reluctant' Alison before they make 'sweet music' together?
How does the Miller use Absalom to parody the 'love sick' knight?
How does the Miller use Absalom to parody the 'love sick' knight?
How does Absalom court Alison?
How does Absalom court Alison?
Where and how long does Nicholas want to sleep with Alison?
Where and how long does Nicholas want to sleep with Alison?
How does Nicholas fool John?
How does Nicholas fool John?
What biblical story does Nicholas utilize as part of his plan?
What biblical story does Nicholas utilize as part of his plan?
What three things are the three characters to enclose themselves?
What three things are the three characters to enclose themselves?
Where does Absalom end up kissing Alison?
Where does Absalom end up kissing Alison?
What weapon does Absalom come across on his quest?
What weapon does Absalom come across on his quest?
How does Absalom get revenge?
How does Absalom get revenge?
After he is poked, what does Nicholas do? How does John react?
After he is poked, what does Nicholas do? How does John react?
What note does the Miller's Tale end with?
What note does the Miller's Tale end with?
Study Notes
Miller's Tale Overview
- Miller's tale serves as a significant contrast to the nobility of the Knight's tale, adding depth to the collection.
- Parody of the Knight's tale, mocking chivalry and courtly love through vulgar humor.
Key Characters and Dynamics
- John the carpenter is depicted as foolish and hard-working, often fooled by Nicholas, highlighting his pathetic nature.
- Absalom is portrayed as the naive character (the doof), while Nicholas embodies cunning and manipulation.
- The Miller’s portrayal of the reeve indicates the reeve’s alignment with the foolish carpenter, creating an undercurrent of animosity.
Social and Class Commentary
- John marries Alison due to her beauty, aiming to elevate his social status despite their significant age difference.
- The Miller's desire to discredit the knight reflects competition between social classes, with the miller asserting himself as higher despite his drunkenness.
- Miller's mockery of the knight reveals a societal tendency to undermine others in the pursuit of social advancement.
Irony and Humor
- Absalom's intentions are ironic, as he attempts courtly behavior while pursuing a married woman.
- Nicholas captivates Alison through a romantic song, ironic given her lack of virginity.
- Various humor styles are employed, including bawdy and scatological humor, emphasizing vulgarity.
Literary Devices and Styles
- Juvenalian satire provides bitter criticism of society, while horatian satire offers light-hearted ridicule.
- Situational and dramatic irony drive home the discrepancies between expectations and reality in the narrative.
- Verbal irony is present through character interactions, adding layers to the dialogue.
Themes of Marriage and Relationships
- Advice on marital control suggests that husbands should not be overly inquisitive, as knowledge can lead to discomfort.
- John’s possessiveness towards Alison leads to her infidelity, illustrating dysfunctional marriage dynamics.
Plot Mechanics
- Nicholas orchestrates a plan involving a false flood warning, drawing parallels to the biblical Noah and ensuring secrecy for his affair with Alison.
- The climax is marked by Absalom's comedic misunderstanding leading to a humorous and embarrassing moment.
Ending and Moral Reflections
- The tale concludes with a reminder of universal sinfulness, suggesting a shared human flaw regardless of social standing.
- The narrative serves as a critique of romantic ideals, exposing the absurdities within interactions of various social classes.
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Description
Explore the significance and connections between the Miller's Tale and the Knight's Tale through these flashcards. Gain insights into the parody, mockery of chivalry, and the ridicule present in the narrative. Perfect for deepening your understanding of Chaucer's work.
