The Cook’s Tale Summary
Last Updated on November 9, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 198
The Cook’s Prologue
The Cook has enjoyed the Reeve’s tale, and he will tell his story next about an amusing happening in his city. The Host allows him but gets in some digs about the Cook’s meals and the flies in his shop. He then says that he is just joking, and the Cook should not be upset. The Cook, in turn, tells the Host not to be angry, for his story is about an inn-keeper.
The Cook’s Tale
An apprentice to a food merchant loves to dance, sing, gamble, dress well, and play with the ladies. His name is Perkin Reveler, and he pays much more attention to having fun than to his work as an apprentice. To finance his revelry, Perkin steals from his master, who rebukes him and even sends him off to prison sometimes. But nothing changes Perkin.
Finally, Perkin’s apprenticeship is over, and the master gives him his release papers, declaring that it is better to be rid of this rotten servant before he corrupts the rest. Perkin moves in with a friend who is just as corrupt as he is. The tale breaks off at this point.
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.
