The Nun's Priest's Tale

Poetry | Geoffrey Chaucer
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What did Pertelote say against the importance of dreams in "The Nun's Priest's Tale"?

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What did Pertelote say against the importance of dreams in "The Nun's Priest's Tale"?

 

In "The Nun's Priest's Tale" from Chaucer's (1340-1400) Canterbury Tales, Pertelote, Chanticleer's wife, argues against the importance of dreams. She explains her logic against Chaunticleer’s dream. She quotes from Cato, a Roman philosopher.

 

Dreams as a Result of Indigestion of Food: Firstly, Pertelote suggests Chaunticleer not to be worried. Pertelote argues that dreams are simply the result of undigested food or other physical causes. She says that dreams are

 

nothing but a fantasy,

And fantasies are bred of repletions.

In other words, dreams are just illusions created by the body's physical processes and don't have any real significance or meaning.

 

Doubt Towards Superstition: Pertelote exhibits skepticism towards superstition and folklore. She views dreams as expressions of foolish beliefs and old wives' tales, lacking practical v

alidity. Her doubt reflects the broader theme in Chaucer's work of critiquing medieval superstitions and highlighting the clash between reason and superstition in medieval society. Pertelote's dismissal of dreams highlights her rationality and rejection of irrational beliefs.

 

Focus on Practical Matters:  Second, Pertelote argues that people who believe in the importance of dreams are foolish and superstitious. She calls Chaunticleer a fool and coward. She says that people who pay too much attention to dreams are like the "old wives" who believe in all kinds of false beliefs and myths. 

 

Reference of Cato: Pertelote dismisses the importance of dreams in the Nun's Priest's Tale. She argues that dreams are often false and result from physical causes. Furthermore, she provides the reference of Cato, who once said, 

 

Attach no importance of dreams.

 

Thus, Lady Pertelote argues against the importance of dreams. Her rational and practical attitude contributes to Chaucer's work's thematic exploration of doubt and realism.

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Geoffrey Chaucer
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from The Nun's Priest's Tale