e Nun's Priest's Tale"? [2015]
A mock-heroic poem means a poem where a small or common subject is told in the grand style of an epic. It uses the language of heroes for foolish or small events. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” uses this style beautifully. The story of a cock, a hen, and a fox is told like a great battle of heroes and kings.
Elevated Language: Chaucer tells a simple yard story in a high and serious style. The poor widow lives in a small cottage but the tale is written like “The Iliad”. Chauntecleer, the cock, is praised like a mighty king. His voice is so sweet. His comb is,
“Redder than the fyn coral.”
(Redder than the fine coral.)
His bright feathers are compared to gold. Again, Chauntecleer adores Pertelote and calls her,
“Madame Pertelote, my worldes blis.”
(Madame Pertelote, my world's bliss.)
When Chauntecleer argues with Pertelote about his dream, he quotes great names like Cato, Daniel, and Joseph. Chaucer uses Latin and moral words like a learned scholar. The fight between a cock and a fox is told in the style of a heroic battle. This makes the tale comic and mock-heroic.
Satirical Commentary: Chaucer uses this tale to mock human weakness through animal characters. Chauntecleer stands for a proud man who believes in flattery. The fox, Daun Russell, stands for false friends and clever deceivers. The fox praises him, saying,
“For trewely, ye have as myrie a stevene.”
(For truly, you have as merry a voice.)
Then, the cock forgets his dream and danger. Through this, Chaucer satirizes foolish pride and false praise in court life. Even the learned talk of dreams and theology between the cock and the hen becomes a joke on human vanity.
Wit and Humour: The tale is full of gentle laughter. The quarrel between Chauntecleer and Pertelote about dreams sounds like a husband and wife’s daily argument. She calls him,
“I kan nat love a coward.”
(I can not love a coward.)
Then she gives him medical advice and speaks of laxatives. She says,
“Taak som laxatyf.”
(Take some laxative.)
Their talk mixes love, learning, and laughter. The fox’s flattery and the chase scene, where everyone cries and runs, hens clucking, men shouting, and dogs barking, create comic confusion. This funny energy makes the tale mock-heroic.
Trivial Subjects: The story is about a cock, his hens, and a fox. Yet, Chaucer treats these small animals as heroes. Chauntecleer behaves like a brave knight, and Pertelote acts like a proud lady. Even their love is described like a courtly romance. The scene where the fox catches Chauntecleer is written like a tragic battle. Chaucer makes the escape scene sound like a great war, but all happens in a poor widow’s small farmyard. This contrast between high style and small subject is the heart of mock-heroic style.
Various Allusions: The tale is filled with classical and biblical names. Chauntecleer quotes Cato, Joseph, Daniel, and Pharaoh. He also mentions Andromache and Hector, and even the philosopher Boece. The fox is called “newe Scariot” and “newe Genylon.” These serious references in a story about chickens make it funny and grand at the same time. Through these allusions, Chaucer laughs at the human habit of showing off wisdom in silly matters.
Moral Lesson: At the end, Chaucer gives a clear moral through the actions of the characters. Chauntecleer manages to escape and realizes that everything happens under divine control. The fox learns that talking too much can bring danger, and the cock learns that trusting flatterers leads to trouble. The story teaches in a simple and humorous way that pride brings downfall and that one should always beware of flattery.
“The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” turns a small farm story into a grand heroic one. Chaucer mixes epic style, humour, and moral lessons to mock human pride. The tale of Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and Daun Russell shows life’s truth with laughter and wisdom.
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