Idealism v Realism
Upon many levels, the Miller's tale is a response to the Knight's tale. This response allows Chaucer the ability to contrast two different ways of looking at the world: ideally and realistically. Both tales are shrouded in irony and humor but the underlying differences can still be seen when contrasting three fundamental properties of society: love, status, and destiny. This paper shall address these contrasts individually as well as in the context of the whole Canterbury Tales. An analysis of the two characters will best set the foundation for further analysis of the two tales. The knight is described in the prologue as truly perfect, gentle and meek. He values chivalry as well as truth, honor and freedom. He is depicted as somewhat rundown , but this is probably Chaucer's commenting on the outcome of a person's life who struggled to uphold these mentioned ideals; if the knight did live by these ideals then he should not care what he looks like. By the description we get from Chaucer in the prologue, the knight seems to be an idealist (however tragically), as his tale later sustains. According to the prologue, the miller is a churl. He is
Another good example of a contrast of character is between Theseus and John. Both are in roles of power in their tales with Theseus being sovereign, and John being the landlord and husband. Ideally, the one in power should be able to exert his power and all should abide to his will. This is the case in the Knight's tale- all abide to Theseus' will without question and often with reverence. Wife, tenant, and fellow citizen Absolon who lusts for his wife, however, betray John. Theseus is noted for his wisdom and mercy while John is ridiculed and taken advantage of respectively for the same traits. Contrast #2: Social Order & Character
Some common words found in the essay are:
Tales Miller, Alisoun Chaucer's, Earth Nicholas, Introduction Thesis, John Gerveys, Theseus John, Tale Miller, Knight's Tale, Deception Nicholas, Miller's Tale, knight's tale, miller's tale, love triangle, courtly love, social hierarchy, nicholas absolon, absolon john, tale consists love, tale consists, love social, tale deception, levels miller's tale, conversely miller's tale, consists love triangle, miller's tale deception,
Approximate Word count = 1573
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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