Instruction and Entertainment in The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer stands as one of the towering achievements in Western literature, a masterful blend of instruction and entertainment. Its companion, Troilus and Criseyde, shares this esteemed position, but it is in the former that Chaucer's storytelling genius truly shines. The structure of The Canterbury Tales revolves around a pilgrimage, with individual tales crafted to both educate and amuse the travelers on their way to Canterbury.
The central conceit of the pilgrimage serves as a framework within which a rich tapestry of stories is woven, each tale offering a distinct perspective on human nature and societal norms. The host's promise of a free supper to the teller of the best tale underscores the competitive spirit of the storytelling, as each participant aims to outshine the others, balancing moral instruction with entertainment.
Some tales lean heavily towards moral and religious instruction, such as the "Parson’s Tale," which, despite its earnest doctrinal nature, may not captivate as a source of amusement. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the uproariously entertaining "Miller’s Tale," a bawdy narrative of deceit and infidelity involving a carpenter, his wife, and a cunning parish clerk. This tale delivers unbridled laughter, though it offers sparse moral guidance.
Yet, it is tales like "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale" that encapsulate the dual purpose of Chaucer's work most effectively. This tale, featuring the cock Chanticleer and his misadventures with the cunning fox, simultaneously entertains with its humorous plot and educates through its allegorical wisdom about pride and gullibility. Here, Chaucer masterfully intertwines wit and wisdom, embodying the very essence of what his ambitious poetic work aims to achieve.
Pride and Fall in The Nun’s Priest’s Tale
Chaucer’s "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale" offers a vivid exploration of the theme of pride through its engaging characters and their interactions. Central to this tale is the character of Chanticleer, a rooster whose grandiosity and self-confidence lead him into peril. This narrative is a reflection of the biblical adage from Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Through Chanticleer’s story, Chaucer delivers a cautionary message about the dangers of hubris.
In the tale, Chanticleer’s downfall is triggered by his own vanity. His pride blinds him to the dangers around him, making...
(This entire section contains 276 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
him susceptible to the cunning fox that seeks to capture him. The rooster’s initial fall into captivity is a direct result of his inflated sense of self-worth and his inability to heed warnings. However, the tale takes an ironic twist when the fox, succumbing to his own moment of pride, allows Chanticleer to escape. Thus, the fox’s momentary lapse into arrogance mirrors Chanticleer’s earlier mistake and liberates the rooster.
The narrative structure of "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale" echoes the archetypal story of the Fall of Adam and Eve, where pride leads to a downfall. Unlike the often inexplicable falls in de casibus tragedies, this tale is grounded in a moral lesson, offering a clear admonition against pride. The Nun’s Priest, through his tale, not only entertains but also educates the pilgrims, and through them, Chaucer extends his warning to the reader. By weaving this moral into the fabric of the tale, Chaucer ensures that the story remains both engaging and thought-provoking, a timeless reminder of the perils of pride.