Alison

Definition

Alison is a central character in 'The Miller's Tale' from Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'. She is portrayed as a clever and assertive young woman who engages in a love affair with a student named Absalom while being married to an older carpenter named John. Her character represents themes of desire, cunning, and the subversion of traditional gender roles within the comedic and often bawdy context of the tale.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alison is often seen as a symbol of female empowerment in a patriarchal society, using her wit and charm to navigate her relationships.
2. She orchestrates a clever deception that not only leads to humorous chaos but also highlights her intelligence and resourcefulness.
3. Alison's affair with Absalom challenges traditional notions of fidelity and marital loyalty, making her a complex figure in the tale.
4. Her actions contribute to the overall theme of deception and trickery that is prevalent in 'The Miller's Tale'.
5. The interactions between Alison, John, and Absalom reveal insights into social class dynamics, gender roles, and the nature of love and lust.

Review Questions

• How does Alison's character challenge traditional gender roles in 'The Miller's Tale'?
  • Alison challenges traditional gender roles by taking control of her own desires and making autonomous choices, defying the expectations of a submissive wife. Unlike typical female characters of her time, she is not passive; instead, she actively pursues a relationship with Absalom while cleverly deceiving her husband, John. This portrayal allows readers to see her as a complex character who uses her intellect and charm to manipulate those around her.
• Discuss the significance of Alison's interactions with Absalom and John in developing the tale's themes of deception and desire.
  • Alison's interactions with both Absalom and John are crucial in illustrating the themes of deception and desire. Her flirtation with Absalom highlights the playful nature of love and lust, while simultaneously mocking John's gullibility. The contrast between Alison's cleverness and John's naivety emphasizes how manipulation can lead to comedic outcomes, showcasing Chaucer’s commentary on human relationships and social dynamics during that era.
• Evaluate how Alison’s character functions within the broader context of Chaucer’s critique of society in 'The Canterbury Tales'.
  • Alison’s character serves as a lens through which Chaucer critiques societal norms regarding marriage, fidelity, and female autonomy. By portraying her as both cunning and sexually liberated, Chaucer challenges the restrictive views on women's behavior during the Middle Ages. Through her actions in 'The Miller's Tale', Alison embodies the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, inviting readers to reflect on issues of power dynamics within relationships and offering a humorous yet poignant commentary on gender roles.

Related terms

Absalom: Absalom is the young scholar who becomes infatuated with Alison, representing the theme of unrequited love and the folly of desire in 'The Miller's Tale'.

John: John is Alison's husband, depicted as a gullible and foolish carpenter, whose naivety makes him a target for the comedic plot against him.

The Miller: The Miller is the character who tells 'The Miller's Tale', characterized by his bawdy humor and rough demeanor, setting the tone for the tale's comedic elements.