Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales - part 2

"The Miller's Tale"

(a) How is Nicolas described? (What is the meaning of "hende" [91]?)

(b) How is the wife described (125ff.)? In what order are things presented, and what happens to the nature of the description as it proceeds?

(c) In what terms does “hende Nicolas” woo the wife?

(d) How does the wife swear to fulfil Nicolas' desire?

(e) How is Absalon described?

(f) Why are Alison and John only named at 256-61?

11. The Trick:

(a) What is the Carpenter's explanation for Nicolas' curious state? (341f.)

(b) Is there any irony in the advice given to John at 422?

(c) Where and how do secrets keep coming into the language and action?

(d) What is the moral of the tale's end? Or is it just a sophomoric joke?

 

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