The Nun's Priest's Tale
Chaucer's Real Work?
The Nun's Priest's tale is often referred to as Chaucer's real work. This means that many believe that of all the works in The Canterbury Tales, this was Chaucer's masterpiece. On the pilgrimage and in the story, one of the pilgrims is named Chaucer. Chaucer the pilgrim tells two tales: "The Tale of Sir Thopas" and "The Tale of Melibee." Of the works in The Canterbury Tales, these are subpar. However, "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is arguably one of the best in The Canterbury Tales. There are several reasons why "The Nun's Priest's Tale" stands out. First, there is no description of the nun's priest in the "General Prologue." Therefore, we are not given a glimpse into the appearance of the nun's priest (aside from comments regarding his appearance from Harry Bailey). Second, Harry Bailey praises this tale above all others. Third, this tale shows fragments of other tales like "The Wife of Bath's Tale." In addition, when Chaucer denounces all of his works at the end, we see a line that appears in the Nun's Priest's tale: "For our book says, 'All that is written is written for our doctrine'" (ll.).
The Beast Fable
"The Nun's Priest's Tale" is a beast fable. Beast fables give human characteristics to animals and seek to demonstrate a moral. This tale is the most rhetorical in style. Rhetoric is the art of employing persuasive styles in writing. Beast fables are comparable to Aesop's fables or Reynard stories. Reynard stories were traditional French stories revolving around satirical techniques using the fox as the main character.
Ars Poetica
Ars poetic was the exercise in rhetoric that involved the distinction and talent of employing amplification and brevity when appropriate or necessary to convey a particular precept or critique. As mentioned on the page regarding "The Knight's Tale," the Great Chain of Being was a prevalent belief throughout the 14th century. There was a general consensus regarding the "right and proper" order and organizational structure of society. Even in separate animal kingdoms, there were hierarchies. The rooster was among the lowest of birds. However, Chauntecleer is a rooster. Therefore, in this tale, Chaucer, the writer, and the nun's priest, the storyteller, employs amplification by making a rooster the wisest character. As you are reading, identify places where you see that Chauntecleer is being amplified. Begin to postulate your own opinions behind Chaucer's motive behind employing those techniques.
The Nun's Priest's tale is often referred to as Chaucer's real work. This means that many believe that of all the works in The Canterbury Tales, this was Chaucer's masterpiece. On the pilgrimage and in the story, one of the pilgrims is named Chaucer. Chaucer the pilgrim tells two tales: "The Tale of Sir Thopas" and "The Tale of Melibee." Of the works in The Canterbury Tales, these are subpar. However, "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is arguably one of the best in The Canterbury Tales. There are several reasons why "The Nun's Priest's Tale" stands out. First, there is no description of the nun's priest in the "General Prologue." Therefore, we are not given a glimpse into the appearance of the nun's priest (aside from comments regarding his appearance from Harry Bailey). Second, Harry Bailey praises this tale above all others. Third, this tale shows fragments of other tales like "The Wife of Bath's Tale." In addition, when Chaucer denounces all of his works at the end, we see a line that appears in the Nun's Priest's tale: "For our book says, 'All that is written is written for our doctrine'" (ll.).
The Beast Fable
"The Nun's Priest's Tale" is a beast fable. Beast fables give human characteristics to animals and seek to demonstrate a moral. This tale is the most rhetorical in style. Rhetoric is the art of employing persuasive styles in writing. Beast fables are comparable to Aesop's fables or Reynard stories. Reynard stories were traditional French stories revolving around satirical techniques using the fox as the main character.
Ars Poetica
Ars poetic was the exercise in rhetoric that involved the distinction and talent of employing amplification and brevity when appropriate or necessary to convey a particular precept or critique. As mentioned on the page regarding "The Knight's Tale," the Great Chain of Being was a prevalent belief throughout the 14th century. There was a general consensus regarding the "right and proper" order and organizational structure of society. Even in separate animal kingdoms, there were hierarchies. The rooster was among the lowest of birds. However, Chauntecleer is a rooster. Therefore, in this tale, Chaucer, the writer, and the nun's priest, the storyteller, employs amplification by making a rooster the wisest character. As you are reading, identify places where you see that Chauntecleer is being amplified. Begin to postulate your own opinions behind Chaucer's motive behind employing those techniques.
Reclarifying Amplification
This tale is a prime example of amplification, which is overemphasizing something to make it appear more important. Chauntecleer is an ordinary rooster, but in this tale he is portrayed as a god-like figure. Chaucer liked to give voices to those who weren't often heard at the time, with his use of amplification here he makes a rooster seem more intelligent than a rooster actually is. Chaucer even amplifies the importance of Chauntecleer when Chauntecleer is taken by the fox and the tale reads that all of this happens "on a Friday" out of all days, comparing Chauntecleer to Jesus.
Reynard Stories
Reynard is the French word for fox. The fox as a character in many fables is characterized by his sly and mischievous behavior. "Reynard the Fox was medieval Europe's trickster figure, a nasty but charismatic character who was always in trouble but always able to talk his way out of retribution" (Morley). This is an interesting side note In "The Nun's Priest's Tale," the rooster is the one who talks his way out of the bad situation. The power of words is shifted from the charismatic fox to the lowly rooster that is amplified to be comparable to the experiences Christ faced. What function does this serve? What do you think Chaucer's purpose in creating this shift is?
http://bestiary.ca/etexts/morley1889/morley1889.htm
http://bestiary.ca/etexts/morley1889/morley1889.htm
The Nun's Priest's Prologue & Tale
A Brief Synopsis of The Nun's Priest's Tale
Let's recap. A rooster, named Chauntecleer, has a bad dream about a fox attempting to kill him. He confides in one of his hens, Pertelote. She does not believe in dreams. She suggests that perhaps he has a bout of indigestion. After their conversation, he quotes a Latin phrase that seems to flatter the female chicken. However, as the critical audience, we realize that he has misquoted or intentionally twisted the meaning of the quote. Sure enough, a fox enters the yard. He flatters Chauntecleer and tells him that he has nothing to worry about. He coaxes Chauntecleer into singing. When he begins to sing, the fox snatches him in his mouth and begins to take off with him. The witty Chauntecleer tells the fox that he should tell the other farmyard animals how he succeeded in coaxing the him to sing in order to capture him. The fox gullibly agrees. He goes to brag and Chauntecleer gets loose. He flies up to the tree. Lesson learned.
Textual Spotlight: Misinterpretations…
3157 "Now let us speke of myrthe, and stynte al this.
"Now let us speak of mirth, and stop all this.
3158 Madame Pertelote, so have I blis,
Madame Pertelote, as I may have bliss,
3159 Of o thyng God hath sent me large grace;
Of one thing God has sent me a great favor;
3160 For whan I se the beautee of youre face,
For when I see the beauty of your face,
3161 Ye been so scarlet reed aboute youre yen,
You are so scarlet red about your eyes,
3162 It maketh al my drede for to dyen;
It makes all my dread die;
3163 For al so siker as In principio,
For as surely as `In the beginning,
3164 Mulier est hominis confusio --
`Woman is the ruin of man --'
3165 Madame, the sentence of this Latyn is,
Madame, the meaning of this Latin is,
3166 `Womman is mannes joye and al his blis.'
`Woman is man's joy and all his bliss.'
3167 For whan I feele a-nyght your softe syde --
For when I feel at night your soft side --
3168 Al be it that I may nat on yow ryde,
Although I can not on you ride,
3169 For that oure perche is maad so narwe, allas --
Because our perch is made so narrow, alas --
3170 I am so ful of joye and of solas,
I am so full of joy and of pleasure,
3171 That I diffye bothe sweven and dreem."
That I renounce both vision and dream."
In this part of the tale, Chauntecleer misinterprets a Latin phrase as he revokes his dream and flatters Pertelote. "In principo, Mulier est hominis confusio" translates to "In the beginning, woman is man's ruin." This is a Biblical allusion to Eve tempting Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. As a reader, we see how the rooster misinterprets the text and in irony renounces his dream for Pertelote, which leads to his downfall.
"Now let us speak of mirth, and stop all this.
3158 Madame Pertelote, so have I blis,
Madame Pertelote, as I may have bliss,
3159 Of o thyng God hath sent me large grace;
Of one thing God has sent me a great favor;
3160 For whan I se the beautee of youre face,
For when I see the beauty of your face,
3161 Ye been so scarlet reed aboute youre yen,
You are so scarlet red about your eyes,
3162 It maketh al my drede for to dyen;
It makes all my dread die;
3163 For al so siker as In principio,
For as surely as `In the beginning,
3164 Mulier est hominis confusio --
`Woman is the ruin of man --'
3165 Madame, the sentence of this Latyn is,
Madame, the meaning of this Latin is,
3166 `Womman is mannes joye and al his blis.'
`Woman is man's joy and all his bliss.'
3167 For whan I feele a-nyght your softe syde --
For when I feel at night your soft side --
3168 Al be it that I may nat on yow ryde,
Although I can not on you ride,
3169 For that oure perche is maad so narwe, allas --
Because our perch is made so narrow, alas --
3170 I am so ful of joye and of solas,
I am so full of joy and of pleasure,
3171 That I diffye bothe sweven and dreem."
That I renounce both vision and dream."
In this part of the tale, Chauntecleer misinterprets a Latin phrase as he revokes his dream and flatters Pertelote. "In principo, Mulier est hominis confusio" translates to "In the beginning, woman is man's ruin." This is a Biblical allusion to Eve tempting Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. As a reader, we see how the rooster misinterprets the text and in irony renounces his dream for Pertelote, which leads to his downfall.
Precepts: Morals of a Story
A precept is an offered principle to help guide behavior and impart wisdom. Sometimes we call the precept the moral of the story. Sometimes we call them words of wisdom, tired and true cliches, platitudes, etc. Regardless of what you personally call them, they all seek to give advice and principles by which to live by.
1. There are a number of take-aways that can be derived from this tale. Some include:
1. Do not close your eyes. Do not wink when you are suppose to be looking. Never let your guard down for dangers may overtake you.
3430 Do me to synge and wynke with myn ye;
Make me sing and close my eyes;
3431 For he that wynketh, whan he sholde see,
For he that closes his eyes, when he should see,
3432 Al wilfully, God lat him nevere thee!"
All willfully, God let him never prosper!"
2. Do not speak when you should be quiet.
3. Do not trust flattery.
4. The power of words is immense. The right words at the right time could save your life.
What are other precepts from this tale? Brainstorm two more to add to this list. We will be creating a bulletin board of precepts from The Canterbury Tales as we are reading. However, I expect each of you to contribute at least two from this tale alone.
1. There are a number of take-aways that can be derived from this tale. Some include:
1. Do not close your eyes. Do not wink when you are suppose to be looking. Never let your guard down for dangers may overtake you.
3430 Do me to synge and wynke with myn ye;
Make me sing and close my eyes;
3431 For he that wynketh, whan he sholde see,
For he that closes his eyes, when he should see,
3432 Al wilfully, God lat him nevere thee!"
All willfully, God let him never prosper!"
2. Do not speak when you should be quiet.
3. Do not trust flattery.
4. The power of words is immense. The right words at the right time could save your life.
What are other precepts from this tale? Brainstorm two more to add to this list. We will be creating a bulletin board of precepts from The Canterbury Tales as we are reading. However, I expect each of you to contribute at least two from this tale alone.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. What is the significance of Chaucer amplifying a rooster, Chauntecleer, to exemplify a god-like figure in this tale?
2. What are some of the morals conveyed throughout "The Nun's Priest's Tale?" Refer to the section above.
3. This entire fiasco occurs on a Friday. In the Catholic faith, Good Friday is a sacred day. Good Friday is the day that Christ died on the Cross. The nun's priest seems to be describing a scene that is similar to the crucifixion of Christ. What are we to make of this? Is this a parody? Is this meant to emphasize that the power of words and wisdom transcend social classes and social propriety in regards to social hierarchy and order? Support your answer with textual support and an explanation.
4. Chauntecleer misinterprets a Latin phrase, twisting the meaning to flatter Pertelote and justifying his reason for not paying heed to his dream. What is the significance of this in representation? If Chauntecleer is so amplified and superior in this story, why does he misinterpret the Latin phrase? Is this telling in regards to those who study and seek to understand something when of an inferior social class? Similar to the Wife of Bath? However, keep in mind that is was Chautecleer's words that saved him from the fox? How does this complicate or support your understanding of misinterpretation, the power of words, or the importance of time and place, or something else?
5. In the epilogue, what are we to make of Harry Bailey's praise regarding the nun's priest? He blesses the nun's priest and makes some interesting comments in regards to the physical appearance of the priest. Since we are not given a description of the nun's priest in the "General Prologue," why do you think this ending is significant? Or is it? Do you think Harry Bailey would have selected this tale to win the competition? His response to this tale was drastically different from the response given to the Pardoner.
2. What are some of the morals conveyed throughout "The Nun's Priest's Tale?" Refer to the section above.
3. This entire fiasco occurs on a Friday. In the Catholic faith, Good Friday is a sacred day. Good Friday is the day that Christ died on the Cross. The nun's priest seems to be describing a scene that is similar to the crucifixion of Christ. What are we to make of this? Is this a parody? Is this meant to emphasize that the power of words and wisdom transcend social classes and social propriety in regards to social hierarchy and order? Support your answer with textual support and an explanation.
4. Chauntecleer misinterprets a Latin phrase, twisting the meaning to flatter Pertelote and justifying his reason for not paying heed to his dream. What is the significance of this in representation? If Chauntecleer is so amplified and superior in this story, why does he misinterpret the Latin phrase? Is this telling in regards to those who study and seek to understand something when of an inferior social class? Similar to the Wife of Bath? However, keep in mind that is was Chautecleer's words that saved him from the fox? How does this complicate or support your understanding of misinterpretation, the power of words, or the importance of time and place, or something else?
5. In the epilogue, what are we to make of Harry Bailey's praise regarding the nun's priest? He blesses the nun's priest and makes some interesting comments in regards to the physical appearance of the priest. Since we are not given a description of the nun's priest in the "General Prologue," why do you think this ending is significant? Or is it? Do you think Harry Bailey would have selected this tale to win the competition? His response to this tale was drastically different from the response given to the Pardoner.
Can You Hear Me?
[Example of Student Work]
For this drawing, I decided to make Chauntecleer come across as an authority figure. Then I have some other normal animals standing way below Chauntecleer. I was trying to show how there is not an equal ground with Chauntecleer as the other animals. In the photo I have Chauntecleer standing on a platform that is made up of stairs and he is at the very top stair, no other animal is even allowed to be on the stairs that Chauntecleer is on. In addition to being on a much higher ground than the other animals, Chauntecleer has a megaphone so that he can project his voice and give his commands over everyone. This exemplifies Chauntecleer’s role as the alpha leader in the Nun’s Priest’s Tale. |
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Modern Adaptation
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Applications
1.) Character Analysis: The characters in this tale are very interesting. The amplification of farm animals changes the dynamics of the tale because it makes the tale seem all the more improbable. For this activity, you must write a 3-5 page paper analyzing one of the characters. Research and outside sources should be consulted to finish the paper. For example, you can write about Chauntecleer and how he is depicted much like Jesus. Another example of a good outside source could be Animal Farm, you could compare how characters are exemplified in "The Nun's Priest's Tale" versus Animal Farm… English teachers love comparative literary analysis. Comparing this to other works not only demonstrates comprehension, but also helps you catch overarching literary styles and themes in literary works.