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A Miller's Tale

Introduction

The Miller's Tale is one of the classic stories by Chaucer and has indeed been subjected to much ridicule by many. The story revolves around the life of a rich, old carpenter in Oxford by the name of John with his much younger wife named Alison. Apart from his work, in order to make some extra money John also took in paying guests and hence decided to take in a lodger named Nicholas who was a student of astrology. Amongst his other scholarly skills, Nicholas was well known for his ability to forecast the weather. Being a clever and devious lad, Nicholas also engaged in playing the harp and singing songs from time to time in order to attain the pleasures of pretty women both in and out of bed. (Canterbury Tales, 2011)

Discussion

Realizing the age difference between him and Alison, John always kept a very close watch on his wife as a result of his insecurities and fear of being deceived. Subsequently, one day when John went out of town for work, Nicholas took hold of the opportunity and professed his love for Alison. Although Alison was taken aback initially by Nicholas's bold gesture but soon he relented, confiding into him about the jealous nature of her husband and that they should wait for an appropriate time for the sake of both their safety. (Canterbury Tales, 2011)

Nonetheless, one day when Alison visited the parish church she met another young, lively and stylish clerk by the name of Absalon who immediately fell in love with her. Absalon was so infatuated by Alison that when he went around along with his collection plate he simply rebuffed to take any money from the women in order to impress Alison. As the story proceeds, Absalon goes to the carpenter's house that same night along with his guitar and sings under Alison's window, professing his love. Soon John is awakened by all this noise but is somewhat relieved when he finds his wife being indifferent to Absalon's love. This state of affairs stretches over a period of time where Alison is shown to be constantly turning down Absalon's desperate efforts, not for the sake of her marriage or John but instead as a result of her feelings for Nicholas. (Canterbury Tales, 2011)

Furthermore, one day when John goes to town for some work, Nicholas seizes the chance and hatches a plan to spend the night with Alison. However, much to his dismay, John the carpenter notices the absence of Nicholas and fearing that something bad might have happened to him, asks his servant to go check up on Nicholas. Nicholas is shocked to see the servants and at once jumps into sitting motionless in an upright position. Assuming that Nicholas had some sort of fit, John at once tries to shake him in order to bring him back to his senses, when Nicholas presumably pretends into having a vision that the Noah's flood is about to occur shortly. Furthermore, he ...