What is the theme of the monk's tale?

Category: books and literature poetry
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The Monk's Tale (or more accurately tales) has a recurring theme of tragedy. The Monk defines tragedy as the fall of someone from high station to misery. He is warning people to not blindly trust in prosperity because it can always change.



Just so, what is the moral of the monk's tale?

The Monk's Tale Summary. The Monk's Tale itself is actually a collection of tragedies, all of which share the same moral: people should not trust in prosperity, but remain on their guard, because Fortune constantly changes. The first tale is that of Lucifer, an angel who fell from heaven and descended into hell.

Additionally, what does Chaucer think of the monk? Chaucer has a low opinion of the monk, as he does most of the clergy. Chaucer uses a subtle sarcasm to express his dislike. He describes the monk as liking to spend his time hunting and riding fine horses. He describes the monk as being finely dressed with fur-trimmed robes.

Herein, why is the monk's tale a parable?

the monk's tale fits the category of parable because, it tells the results of different people's good and bad behavior. The Monk tale is a series of tragedies which represents the news that the wealth and position is just an illusion.

What is the monk's name in Canterbury Tales?

Pilgrims and other travelers

Role Tales
Monk The Monk's Tale
Friar The Friar's Tale
Merchant The Merchant's Tale
Clerk The Clerk's Tale

30 Related Question Answers Found

What does the Knight represent in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales?

The Knight in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a chivalrous man who seems to fulfill the principles of a Medieval English knight: chivalry, courtesy, generosity, respect, and truth. The Knight is described as the most noble of the pilgrims and his son, the Squire, is dutiful and a courteous lover.

Why did Chaucer write The Canterbury Tales in Middle English?

One of the reasons Chaucer is so important is that he made the decision to write in English and not French. In the centuries following the Norman invasion, French was the language spoken by those in power. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in literature written in English.

How many pilgrims and tales are in the Canterbury Tales?

Answer and Explanation:
In The Canterbury Tales, there are a total of 31 pilgrims in the traveling party. Chaucer writes that there were 29 pilgrims, plus the narrator and

How does the Wife of Bath justify her multiple marriages?


To justify her many marriages, she cites the facts that God instructed humans to multiply and that King Solomon had many wives. She also takes issue with the idea that virginity is a superior state, noting that, if no women ever bore children, there would be a lack of virgins in the world.

What is the monk's job in Canterbury Tales?

The Monk is nothing like the usual monk many people imagine. He hunts hares and rides horses instead of studying, praying, and working. He does not follow the rules of the monastery which say that monks should not hunt, be reckless, nor leave the monastery. Instead,they should study and perform manual labor.

What class is the monk in the Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales explores relationships between three different social classes: the clergy (of which the Monk is a member), the nobility (the wealthy class), and the peasantry (the poorest class). The Canterbury Tales includes critiques and satirical depictions of members of all three classes.

What is ironic about the description of the Prioress?

One of the most noticeable elements of irony Chaucer uses is the Prioress' name introduced in the General Prologue "Madame Eglantine" a name that symbolizes the Virgin Mary. This naming of the Prioress by Chaucer after a flower symbolizing Mary is ironic, because Mary is the embodiment of love and mercy.

How does Chaucer use satire?


Satire is the use of humor to expose someone or something's vices or flaws. In The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer uses satire to expose the faults of institutions, and common stereotypes of his time.

How does Chaucer characterize the prioress?

The character of the Prioress in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a woman of two faces. She is introduced in the General Prologue as an aristocratic, genteel, pious nun, but she is a raving bigot, because her tale is full of anti-Semitic attitudes. Finally, the nature of the tale itself must be studied.

How does Chaucer's attitude towards the monk differ?

Chaucer's narrator has nothing very favorable to say about either the Monk or the Friar, thus has a poor attitude toward them, though he criticizes them for different reasons. The attitude conveyed toward the Monk is satirical, critical, and ironic.

What is the Friar's name?

The Friar is one of many religious figures that Chaucer put on the journey to Canterbury. His actual name is Hubert, and he's also one of many that is corrupt. A friar back in these days promised to lead a life of poverty and humility.

Is a friar?

A friar belongs to a religious order, a group within the Catholic church. A friar is similar to a monk. Friars are like monks in that they are devoted to a religious life. The word friar developed in the thirteenth century from the Old French frere, "brother or friar."

Does Chaucer like host?


He has an outspoken, peaceful personality. His relationships with the other characters are generally civil, with occasional fighting. The Host is a lower-class commoner, but highly regarded in that class. Chaucer seems to like him and enjoy his company.

What does the word reprove mean in these lines from the Wife of Bath's Tale?

What does the word reprove mean in these lines from "The Wife of Bath's Tale"? Some say the things we most desire are these: Freedom to do exactly as we please, With no one to reprove our faults and lies, Rather to have one call us good and wise.

How would you describe a monk?

Here are some adjectives for monk: deformed canting, unarmed, weird, so-called cloistered, fat, buddhist, impertinent diseased, wispy white-haired, serious shaven, observant provincial, impersonal red, pious, well-respected, philosophical unbelieving, meek, angelic, german benedictine, italian benedictine, aggressive