Student Question
Why does the Miller struggle to stay in the saddle during the prologue?
Quick answer:
The Miller struggles to stay in the saddle during the prologue because he is excessively drunk, which makes him pale and unsteady. Despite feeling sick and barely able to sit on his horse, he insists on telling a tale immediately after the Knight. Although the host suggests waiting due to his drunkenness, the Miller demands to speak or threatens to leave, prompting the host to allow him to proceed.
The miller is struggling to stay in his saddle as he rides alongside the company of pilgrims because, as the narrator says, he is pale with drunkenness, which is making it difficult for him to stay in his saddle. If he is so drunk that it is making him pale, this suggests that he is drunk enough to feel sick and unwell—the result being that he "hardly sat" upon his horse. However, this does not stop him from saying that he is sure he will be able to tell a tale good enough to equal the knight's tale, which has just been told.
The host, seeing that the miller is extremely drunk, suggests that somebody else should tell a tale first, but the miller will not have this. He says that he will either speak now or leave the company. At this point, the host relents and allows the drunken miller to speak.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.