Introduction
“The Miller’s Tale” is a satire of the effects of class structures on Medieval society. Chaucer’s light-hearted and humorous approach to the topic is deftly executed, making for an entertaining and insightful tale. The story follows the trials and tribulations of John, a simple carpenter, as he finds himself in the middle of a love triangle between Alisoun, his beautiful young wife, and Nicholas, her wealthy suitor. Nicholas is a cleric and, therefore, of a higher social class than John, which gives him a clear advantage in the race for Alisoun’s affection.
The class structure of Medieval society is a clear and present theme throughout “The Miller’s Tale.” Chaucer uses humor to skewer the things he sees as unfair or unjust about the system[1]. One example is John’s contrived plan to drown Nicholas in a vat of urine. The scheme’s ridiculousness serves as a commentary on the often absurd and convoluted ways that those in positions of power would maintain their grip on society.
Thesis Statement
While Chaucer’s ‘The Miller’s Tale is full of comic relief and entertaining characters, a closer look reveals a hidden satirical commentary on the class structures that plagued Medieval society. It is demonstrated through the characters’ behaviors and interactions with each other, which will be explored in this paper.
First Argument
“The Miller’s Tale” is set in a small village in England during the fourteenth century. The story revolves around the inhabitants of a tenement house, primarily lower-class citizens.[2]. The story’s plot is driven by a rivalry between two tenants, John, the carpenter, and Nicholas, the clerk. When John’s wife, Alisoun, catches Nicholas kissing her on the buttocks, the two men engage in a series of pranks and practical jokes that eventually escalate into violence.
Throughout the story, Chaucer satirizes the class structure of Medieval society. He does so by depicting the lower-class characters as foolish and gullible, while the upper-class characters are portrayed as manipulative and prone to violence.[3]. For example, when John the carpenter finds out that his wife has been cheating on him, Nicholas reacts with violence, trying to kill Nicholas with a hatchet. Similarly, when Nicholas is caught kissing Alisoun, he does not show any remorse but instead tries to justify his actions by claiming that he was only doing it to make her feel better.
The story’s historical context is also relevant to understanding Chaucer’s satire. The fourteenth century was a time of significant social change in England as the country was slowly recovering from the effects of the Black Death. During this time, there was a growing gap between the rich and the poor, as the upper classes became increasingly wealthy while the lower classes stagnated.
The social class system in England during the Late Middle Ages was highly hierarchical, with those in the upper classes believing themselves to be better than those in the lower classes.[4]. It is reflected in the character of John, who looks down on Alisoun because she is not as wealthy as he is. This attitude was commonplace among those in the upper classes at the time, who believed that their wealth and social status made them superior to those who were not as fortunate.
Chaucer’s satire of the class structure of Medieval society is also evident in his use of language. Throughout the story, he uses a combination of vernacular and Latin, a common practice among writers of the time. However, he often uses Latin phrases out of context or in a way that makes the lower-class characters seem foolish. For example, when John the carpenter is trying to kill Nicholas, he shouts, “Stabat Mater Dolorosa!” which is a Latin phrase that means “the sorrowful mother stood.” However, John misuses the term, and it is clear that he does not understand the meaning of the words.
Second Argument
In addition to satirizing the class structure of Medieval society, Chaucer also criticizes the church and its role in the social order. It is most evident in the character of Absolon, a church clerk. Absolon is in love with Alisoun, and he is portrayed as being very pious and devout. However, he is also shown as naive and gullible, and Nicholas easily manipulates him.[5]. For example, when Nicholas tells Absolon that he can kiss Alisoun’s buttocks, Absolon agrees without hesitation.
The church was a mighty institution during the Medieval period and played a significant role in people’s lives. The church owned a large amount of land and collected taxes from the people. It also had the power to excommunicate people, a severe punishment. The church was closely aligned with the upper class and supported the social hierarchy.
Chaucer’s criticism of the church is also evident in his use of language. He often uses religious phrases out of context or in a way that makes the church seem foolish. For example, when Absolon is trying to kiss Alisoun’s buttocks, he says “Amen” after each attempt. It is a religious phrase typically used to signify the end of a prayer. However, in this context, Absolon seems to be praying to Alisoun’s buttocks, which is an explicit criticism of the church.
Third Argument
Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale” is not only a satire of the class structure of Medieval society but also a commentary on the human condition more generally. It is most evident in the character of John, the carpenter. John is depicted as a simple and honest man who is easily manipulated by the other characters in the story. For example, when Nicholas tells John that he can kiss Alisoun’s buttocks, John agrees without hesitation.
John is also very susceptible, and he falls for Nicholas’ tricks even though he knows they are meant to harm him.[6]. For example, when Nicholas tells John that he can have sex with Alisoun, John believes him even though he knows that it is not valid. This gullibility leads to John’s downfall, as he is ultimately tricked into believing that Alisoun is cheating on him with Nicholas.
John the carpenter character represents the human condition more generally. He is easily manipulated and tricked and cannot see the truth even when it is right in front of him. This is a commentary on the human condition and criticism of the social order of the time.
In his book The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Greenblatt (2018) argues that The Miller’s Tale is a satire of England’s modern social class system during the Late Middle Ages. Greenblatt supports this argument by pointing to the character of Alisoun, who he says is used by Chaucer to humorously criticize the beliefs and behaviors of those in the upper classes. Greenblatt also highlights the corruptibility of those in positions of power, as seen in the character of Nicholas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale” is a satire of the class structure of Medieval society. It is evident from the form of the tale and the characters’ language and attitudes. Chaucer was well aware of the problems caused by the class structure and was able to use his writing to satirize it. This would have been of great interest to his contemporary readers, who would have been familiar with the problems caused by the class structure. The tale is not only a scathing criticism of the social order of the time but also a clever and insightful commentary on the human condition more generally.
Bibliography
Beidler, Peter G. The Lives of the Miller’s Tale : The Roots, Composition and Retellings of Chaucer’s Bawdy Story. Jefferson, North Carolina: Mcfarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2015.
Greenblatt, Stephen, and Catherine Robson. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Volume E, the Victorian Age. New York: W.W. Norton, 2018.
Manstead, Antony SR. “The psychology of social class: How socioeconomic status impacts thought, feelings, and behaviour.” British Journal of Social Psychology 57, no. 2 (2018): 267-291.
Summaries, Bright. The Miller’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer (Book Analysis) : Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide. Cork: Primento Digital, 2019.
[1] Peter G Beidler, The Lives of the Miller’s Tale: The Roots, Composition, and Retellings of Chaucer’s Bawdy Story (Jefferson, North Carolina: Mcfarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2015).
[2] Manstead, Antony SR. “The psychology of social class: How socioeconomic status impacts thought, feelings, and behaviour.” British Journal of Social Psychology 57, no. 2 (2018): 267-291.
[3] Bright Summaries, The Miller’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer (Book Analysis) : Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide (Cork: Primento Digital, 2019).
[4] Manstead, Antony SR. “The psychology of social class: How socioeconomic status impacts thought, feelings, and behaviour.” British Journal of Social Psychology 57, no. 2 (2018): 267-291.
[5] Peter G Beidler, The Lives of the Miller’s Tale: The Roots, Composition, and Retellings of Chaucer’s Bawdy Story (Jefferson, North Carolina: Mcfarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2015).
[6] Peter G Beidler, The Lives of the Miller’s Tale : The Roots, Composition and Retellings of Chaucer’s Bawdy Story (Jefferson, North Carolina: Mcfarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2015).
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