The Canterbury Tales
by Geoffrey Chaucer
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Plot Summary
- Cast of Characters
- An Analysis of Major Characters
- Symbols and Themes
-
Summary and Analysis
- The General Prologue
- The Knight's Tale
- The Miller's Tale
- The Reeve's Tale
- The Cook's Tale
- The Man of Law's Tale
- The Wife of Bath's Tale
- The Friar's Tale
- The Summoner's Tale
- The Clerk's Tale
- The Merchant's Tale
- The Squire's Tale
- The Franklin's Tale
- The Physician's Tale
- The Pardoner's Tale
- The Shipman's Tale
- The Prioress' Tale
- The Tale of Sir Topas
- The Tale of Melibee
- The Monk's Tale
- The Nun's Priest's Tale
- The Second Nun's Tale
- The Canon Yeoman's Prologue and Tale
- The Manciple's Prologue and Tale
- The Parson's Tale
- Chaucer's Retraction
- Significant Quotations
- Key Facts
- Points to Ponder
- Discussion Questions
- Take The Quiz
- Further Reading
- Flashcards
- Biography of Geoffrey Chaucer
The Miller
The Miller stands out from the other pilgrims for several reasons. First, he is a very large man, but his size is not due simply to fat; instead, he is strong and muscular. He is unattractive to look at, as he has a large wart at the tip of his nose. His behavior is vulgar and uncouth, so that he exemplifies the worst things believed of the lower class. Moreover, while the other pilgrims are, at least ostensibly, going to Canterbury for religious purposes, the Miller does not claim to have that same divine inspiration. Instead, he seems to be seeking one of the cures that was said to be available in Canterbury during that time. However, the Miller’s commonplace appearance and demeanor contrast with his sharp wit. He tells a very humorous story that demonstrates his mastery of comic timing and setting. By making a carpenter the buffoon in his story, the Miller reveals some animosity toward either carpenters in general, or even a personal problem with the Reeve, who was previously a carpenter.
