The Miller's Tale

Stories such as this were rather common in the inns of Chaucer's time. The tale has its bawdy moments, but it is funny to see the stupidity of the jealous carpenter fall for Nicholas' preposterous flood rather than the ends for which the trick was devised.  The carpenter is cuckolded and has a broken arm because of his extreme jealousy. Nicholas has a severely burned rear end. Absalon has been mistreated in another way. Destiny or poetic justice played an important role in the tale. Vision and astrology play a role, too. The contrast between the noble Knight and the burly Miller is made prominent by the type of story each chose to relate. The type of story the Miller tells is still popular today. Any time a very old man marries a young girl, there will be jealousy and the wife might take on a love.

Study Questions on Chaucer II
   On "The Miller's Tale":

6. What kind of imagery does Chaucer use to describe Alison? Is she a well-rounded character or a type? Why?
7. What are we supposed to think of the final "justice" in the end of "The Miller's Tale"?
8. What do you think about the Miller and the Miller's Tale?
9. Is there any relationship between the Miller's appearance and the content of his tale?
10. Who is the winner in "The Miller's Tale"?  Justify your answer.