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 Tale of Melibee
The Narrator then tells the tale of Melibee. Melibee and his wife, Dame Prudence, leave town and, while they are gone, three burglars break into their home and seriously injure his daughter, Sophia. Melibee decides to avenge his daughter, but his wife convinces him that he should seek the advice of several people, and that he should eventually listen to her advice. When he seeks advice from the various people, they begin quoting authorities. When the burglars are found, they are brought before Melibee and Dame Prudence. Melibee wants to fine them, but Dame Prudence refuses to let him fine them, and he lets them off with only a verbal punishment.
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