POEM 8
Geoffrey Chaucer – “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”

Once, long ago, there dwelt a poor old widow
In a small cottage, by a little meadow
Beside a grove and standing in a dale.
This widow-woman of whom I tell my tale
Since the sad day when last she was a wife
Had led a very patient, simple life.
Little she had in capital or rent.
But still, by making do with what God sent.
She kept herself and her two daughters going.
Three hefty sows – no more – were all her showing.
Three cows as well; there was a sheep called Molly.

Sooty her hall, her kitchen melancholy,
And there she ate full many a slender meal;
There was no sauce piquante to spice her veal,
No dainty morsel ever passed her throat,
According to her cloth she cut her coat.
Repletion never left her in disquiet
And all her physic was a temperate diet,
Hard work for exercise and heart’s content.
And rich man’s gout did nothing to prevent
Her dancing, apoplexy struck her not;
She drank no wine, nor white, nor red had got.
Her board was mostly served with white and black,
Milk and brown bread, in which she found no lack;
Broiled bacon or an egg or two were common,
She was in fact a sort of dairy-woman.

She had a yard that was enclosed about
By a stockade and a dry ditch without,
In which she kept a cock called Chanticleer.
In all the land for crowing he’d no peer;
His voice was jollier than the organ blowing
In church on Sundays, he was great at crowing.
Far, far more regular than any clock
Or abbey bell the crowing of this cock.

The equinoctial wheel and its position*
At each ascent he knew by intuition;
At every hour – fifteen degrees of movement –
He crowed so well there could be no improvement.
His comb was redder than fine coral, tall
And battlemented like a castle wall,
His bill was black and shone as bright as jet,
Like azure were his legs and they were set
On azure toes with nails of lily white,
Like burnished gold his feathers, flaming bright.

This gentlecock was master in some measure
Of seven hens, all there to do his pleasure.
They were his sisters and his paramours,
Coloured like him in all particulars;
She with the loveliest dyes upon her throat
Was known as gracious Lady Pertelote.
Courteous she was, discreet and debonair,
Companionable too, and took such care
In her deportment, since she was seven days old
She held the heart of Chanticleer controlled,
Locked up securely in her every limb;
what a happiness his love to him!
And such a joy it was to hear them sing,
As when the glorious sun began to spring.
In sweet accord, My Love is far from land*
– For in those far off days I understand
All birds and animals could speak and sing.
(shortened)

Literary Analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”

Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a part of The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by different characters on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. This particular tale is a beast fable, a story that features animals with human characteristics, and is rich in allegory, humor, and moral lessons.

Theme
“The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” explores several themes, including the nature of dreams, the concept of pride, and the tension between appearance and reality. The central narrative of the tale revolves around Chanticleer, a proud rooster, and his beloved hen, Pertelote. The story humorously examines the consequences of vanity and overconfidence, while also reflecting on the moral implications of trusting in dreams and appearances.

Structure and Form
Chaucer uses the framework of a beast fable, which allows him to convey moral lessons through the actions of animals. The tale is written in rhymed couplets, which give it a lively and rhythmic quality, suitable for the humorous and satirical tone of the narrative.

Characterization
• Chanticleer: Chanticleer is portrayed as the quintessential proud and noble rooster, whose appearance and behavior are described in grand, almost exaggerated terms. His beauty, wisdom, and crowing abilities are praised, but his pride ultimately leads him into danger. His character serves as a cautionary figure against the dangers of excessive pride and vanity.
• Pertelote: Pertelote, Chanticleer’s favorite hen, is depicted as wise, courteous, and caring. She is the voice of reason in the tale, advising Chanticleer to disregard his troubling dreams and offering a practical remedy. However, her advice is ultimately ignored, leading to the unfolding of the tale’s central conflict.

Imagery and Language
Chaucer uses vivid imagery to describe the setting, the characters, and their actions. The pastoral setting of the widow’s farm, with its simplicity and modesty, contrasts with the grandeur and splendor attributed to Chanticleer. The description of Chanticleer’s physical appearance is rich with color imagery:
•”His comb was redder than fine coral, tall / And battlemented like a castle wall,”
•”Like burnished gold his feathers, flaming bright.”
These descriptions elevate Chanticleer to a regal status, which highlights the humorous irony when his vanity leads to his near downfall.

Figures of Speech
• Simile: The comparison of Chanticleer’s comb to “coral” and “a castle wall” emphasizes his nobility and strength.
• Metaphor: Chanticleer’s crowing is metaphorically likened to the sound of an organ in a church, indicating the harmony and perfection of his voice.
• Personification: The animals in the tale are personified, as they can speak, sing, and exhibit human-like qualities such as pride, love, and wisdom.
• Hyperbole: The exaggerated descriptions of Chanticleer’s beauty and abilities serve to satirize the character’s pride and vanity.

Tone and Humor
The tone of the tale is light-hearted and humorous. Chaucer uses irony and satire to gently mock the characters, particularly Chanticleer’s arrogance. The tale’s humor is evident in the exaggerated descriptions, the interactions between the characters, and the ultimate moral lesson that pokes fun at human (or in this case, animal) follies.

Moral Lesson
At its core, “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a moral tale. The story warns against the dangers of pride and the folly of ignoring warnings (such as dreams). Chanticleer’s near capture by the fox serves as a reminder of the consequences of vanity and overconfidence. However, the tale also suggests that wisdom and quick thinking (as exhibited by Chanticleer in the end) can help one escape peril.

Conclusion
“The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a rich and entertaining narrative that combines humor, satire, and moral lessons within the framework of a beast fable. Chaucer’s use of vivid imagery, character development, and allegory makes the tale not only a delightful read but also a reflection on human nature and the perils of pride. NEXT POEM

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