How Is Irony Used In The Millers Tale

Often times, authors implement literary techniques to add certain elements in their stories. One way that authors do this is by introducing irony. Irony is an outcome of events that is contrary to what was expected. Many authors may use three different types of irony to get their point across. These types of irony are verbal, dramatic, or situational. They may apply irony to turn a story around and to give it a twist. One author who utilizes this technique is Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. In fact, Chaucer enhances irony in his story “The Miller’s Tale.” He incorporates irony to entertain his readers, critique society, and to teach moral lessons. One way that authors may utilize the technique of irony is to entertain the reader. By implementing irony, authors try to keep their readers entertained throughout the story. The use of irony helps emphasize the humorous remarks the author makes to make the story more enjoyable. For example, to describe a character in “The Miller’s Tale” Chaucer says, “But truth to tell, he was a bit squeamish/ Of farting and of language haughtiest” (151-152). This quote pokes fun of this character but does it in a very subtle way. This is a
Authors put forth irony in their stories by using significant details to point out the moral or lesson. To teach the moral or lesson, authors must use all three types of irony. One way Chaucer uses verbal irony is by saying, “Nay, Christ forbid it, for His holy blood!/ Said then this simple man: “I am no blab,/ Nor, though I say it, am I fond of gab.” say what you will, I never will it tell/ To child or wife, by Him that harried Hell!” (321-325). This was said when a character is tricking another character to do something awful. The ironic idea is that the character is so gullible to trust someone that he doesn’t even know. The moral of this story is to be careful who you