6.3 Social satire and humor in the Miller's Tale

The Miller's Tale is a hilarious romp that pokes fun at medieval society. It uses clever humor to mock the clergy, scholars, and marriage, exposing their flaws and hypocrisies. Through irony, slapstick, and bawdy jokes, Chaucer delivers a sharp critique of social norms.

This tale subverts power structures and challenges notions of superiority. It resonated with medieval audiences for its entertainment value, while modern readers appreciate its social commentary. The story's clever use of comedy to expose societal issues remains relevant today.

Social Satire in the Miller's Tale

Targets of social satire

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• The clergy
  • Absolon, the parish clerk, portrayed as vain and foolish highlighting corruption and hypocrisy within the clergy
  • His attempts to woo Alisoun are ridiculed exposing the moral failings of religious figures
• Scholars
  • Nicholas, the scholar, depicted as cunning and manipulative satirizing the supposed intelligence and moral superiority of academics
  • His scheme to trick John and sleep with Alisoun undermines the idea that education equates to virtue
• The institution of marriage
  • The tale mocks the idea of marital fidelity and power dynamics within marriage exposing the flaws and vulnerabilities of the institution
  • Alisoun's infidelity and John's gullibility highlight the absurdity of societal expectations surrounding marriage

Types of humor in Miller's Tale

• Irony
  • Situational irony: John, the carpenter, tricked by Nicholas into believing a flood is coming, while he is the one being "flooded" with cuckoldry
  • Dramatic irony: The audience knows more than the characters, such as when Nicholas and Alisoun are plotting against John creating humorous tension
• Slapstick humor
  • Physical comedy, such as when Absolon kisses Alisoun's "nether eye" (buttocks) and when Nicholas is branded with a hot coulter
  • The chaotic scene where John cuts the ropes of his tub and crashes to the ground showcasing the absurdity of the situation
• Bawdy comedy
  • Sexual humor and innuendos throughout the tale adding a layer of crude and explicit comedy
  • The crude and explicit descriptions of sexual acts and body parts (genitalia) push the boundaries of propriety for humorous effect

Social Commentary and Reception

Critique of medieval society

• The tale subverts traditional power structures
  • Alisoun, a young wife, holds power over her older husband and her suitors challenging gender norms
  • Nicholas, a scholar, outsmarts John, a skilled craftsman suggesting that intelligence can overcome social class
• Chaucer satirizes the notion of social superiority
  • The miller, a lower-class character, tells a tale that mocks those of higher social standing (clergy, scholars)
  • The tale exposes the flaws and vices present across all social classes (lust, pride, deception) leveling the playing field
• The story highlights the discrepancy between appearance and reality
  • Characters who are supposed to be morally upright (clergy, scholars) are revealed to be flawed and corrupt
  • The façade of respectability is stripped away to reveal the base nature of human behavior

Reception across time periods

• Medieval reception
  • The tale was popular among medieval audiences for its humor and entertainment value as a bawdy and irreverent story
  • Some critics may have viewed the story as a cautionary tale against the dangers of adultery and deception, reinforcing moral lessons
• Modern interpretation
  • Modern readers often focus on the social commentary and subversive elements within the tale, appreciating its critique of societal norms
  • The story is appreciated for its clever use of irony, satire, and comedy to expose societal flaws (hypocrisy, class distinctions)
  • Contemporary analysis also examines the tale's treatment of gender roles and sexual politics, exploring themes of female agency and desire