The Knight's Tale Compared To The Millers Tale

The Canterbury Tales: A Comparison Often times, writers have a very specific vision of the message and meaning they aim to convey through their writing. When a series of stories are involved, the order in which they are told can have a profound impact on the reader’s interpretation of the message. Additionally, similarities as well as differences amongst the stories can be just as important at achieving an evocative or quantified end-state. “The Miller’s Tale” and “A Knight’s Tale” are two pieces of literature that include aspects of satire intended to evoke certain emotions and deliver a calculated message to the audience. The following discussion will identify aspects of mockery presented in each tale while highlighting the similarities and differences of each. Mockery is defined as behavior or speech that is intended to make fun of someone or something (www.merriam-webster.com). In Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale,” a gentlemen named Aboslom seeks a kiss from Alisoun. Chaucer describes Absolom as being squeamish with regards to farts and having a distaste for arrogant language (229-230). This sets the stage for the use of mockery towards Absolom in subsequent lines. As he readies himself for a

Each story has both a protagonist and an antagonist. Characters are vying for the love and affection of a woman whom they have become infatuated with. In “The Miller’s Tale,” Chaucer uses satire in a more direct manner, emphasizing the behavior of key characters to make fun of and embarrass another. In contrast, Chaucer’s use of satire within “A Knight’s Tale” is more subtle. While love appears to be a primary component of the tale; Chaucer develops the plot by emphasizing feelings and over-exaggerating character actions and reactions. Within the elements being compared in this text, the mockery within “A Knight’s Tale” focusses primarily on a non-physical element (love), rather than a physical aspect