The Nun's Priest's Tale Flashcards

Who Tells the Tale

• The Nun's Priest's Tale is narrated by a priest traveling with the prioress.

Number of Priests

• Originally, there were three priests in the group.

Reason for Selection

• Chaucer chose to tell the Nun's Priest's Tale instead of the other two priests' stories.

Main Character

• The central character of the tale is Chanticleer, a rooster.

Character Overview

• Chanticleer is characterized by his vibrant plumage.

Chanticleer's Wife

• Pertelote is Chanticleer's most beautiful wife.

Setting

• The narrative unfolds at the cottage of an old widow.

Number of Hens

• Chanticleer has seven hens under his care.

Chanticleer's Dream

• Chanticleer dreams that a creature is attempting to eat him, causing distress.

Dream Dismissal

• Pertelote dismisses Chanticleer's fears and dreams as unimportant.

Chanticleer’s Colors

• He is described as having feathers of red, black, gold, azure, and white.

First Story

• Chanticleer's initial tale involves a man who ignores a dream warning of murder, leading to a tragic outcome.

Second Story

• The second narrative tells of two men about to embark on a sea voyage; one dreams of a storm and is ignored, resulting in their demise at sea.

Additional References

• Chanticleer cites The Book of Daniel and The Iliad to strengthen his arguments about dreams.

Incorrect Translation

• Chaucer purposely mistranslates "Mulier est hominus confusio" to insult Pertelote and the Prioress subtly.

Fox Interaction

• The fox is allowed to stay because he flatters Chanticleer regarding his and his father's singing.

Fox's Drop

• The fox drops Chanticleer to mock those pursuing him.

Chanticleer’s Vanity

• Chanticleer exhibits vanity particularly about his singing abilities.

Literary Device

• The tale employs personification, where animals behave and speak like humans.

Tale Classification

• The story can be categorized as an allegory, parable, fable, mock epic, and exemplum.

Fox's Tactics

• The fox utilizes flattery as a strategic tactic to get closer to Chanticleer.

Contextual Debate

• The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is part of the larger marriage debate among the pilgrims.

Host's Compliment

• The Host humorously equates the priest to a handsome rooster, suggesting he has many hens to command.

Test your knowledge of 'The Nun's Priest's Tale' with these flashcards. Discover key characters, plot points, and essential details of Chaucer's story as you familiarize yourself with its themes and context. Perfect for literature students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic tale.