O'Connell's Advanced Placement Literature and Composition class's blog about The Canterbury Tales. Bedford High School, Bedford, NH.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Miller's Tale Discussion Question #4
Consider Absalom's revenge. Is it fitting? Why or why not? Is Allison blamed for her role in the deception of John, or for her behavior toward Absalom? Who/what is Chaucer criticizing in this tale?
Absalom's revenge was fitting because in a way, he was punishing Nicholas for being a sinner. Allison however is not punished or blamed for any of her sins. The only thing that is being criticized is the church. Allison goes to church, even though she is cheating on her husband. Absalom is a parish clerk, and yet he chases after Allison; a married woman. Chaucer is bringing attention to the fact that the church and its followers aren't as holy as they should be.
Absalom's revenge is fitting because he was able to get an advantage over everyone else. He was not exposed for anything and got away with what he did. Allison is now associated with a "crazy man" and people know she is not a good person. The church is being criticized. Members of the church cannot have a good relationship and have love because they are manipulative.
I agree with Kelly that Absalom's revenge is fitting because he was tricked by Alison into kissing her butt, but able to burn Nicolas the next time he confronted the two. However, I do feel that Alison is blamed for both the deception and her behavior towards Absalom but more towards that latter because she herself intentionally humiliated Absalom. As for the deception of her husband, she was merely a pawn in the overall scheme that was concocted by Nicholas. The thing that Chaucer is criticizing in this tale is the unfaithfulness and rudeness of women and how they appear to be beautiful and desirable on the outside, but devious and untrustworthy on the inside.
Absalom's revenge is fitting because Nicholas deserved what he got because of how he treated John. Allison receives no punishment for her sins and the church does not nothing to her as punishment. Chaucer is showing how hypocritical the church is.
I agree that Absalom's revenge was fitting.Alison was deceitful to Absalom along with other men she spoke to. I agree with Abby that Chaucer criticizes the unfaithful, and rudeness of woman.They appear be one thing, but under the beauty are something else.Chaucer says they say they act on the advice one gives them, and then is criticized for doing so after.
I disagree with everyone that Absalom's revenge is fitting. His revenge was not fitting because he was trying to have his way with a married woman. He did not deserve to get revenge because what he was doing was wrong and deserved to be embarrassed. I believe that Allison is not entirely to blame for her actions with Absalom and should not be held accountable for the situation as a whole. Chaucer is criticizing deceit and the unfaithful, so blame falls on Nicholas, Absalom, and John.
Absalom's revenge was fitting because in a way, he was punishing Nicholas for being a sinner. Allison however is not punished or blamed for any of her sins. The only thing that is being criticized is the church. Allison goes to church, even though she is cheating on her husband. Absalom is a parish clerk, and yet he chases after Allison; a married woman. Chaucer is bringing attention to the fact that the church and its followers aren't as holy as they should be.
ReplyDeleteAbsalom's revenge is fitting because he was able to get an advantage over everyone else. He was not exposed for anything and got away with what he did. Allison is now associated with a "crazy man" and people know she is not a good person. The church is being criticized. Members of the church cannot have a good relationship and have love because they are manipulative.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kelly that Absalom's revenge is fitting because he was tricked by Alison into kissing her butt, but able to burn Nicolas the next time he confronted the two. However, I do feel that Alison is blamed for both the deception and her behavior towards Absalom but more towards that latter because she herself intentionally humiliated Absalom. As for the deception of her husband, she was merely a pawn in the overall scheme that was concocted by Nicholas. The thing that Chaucer is criticizing in this tale is the unfaithfulness and rudeness of women and how they appear to be beautiful and desirable on the outside, but devious and untrustworthy on the inside.
ReplyDeleteAbsalom's revenge is fitting because Nicholas deserved what he got because of how he treated John. Allison receives no punishment for her sins and the church does not nothing to her as punishment. Chaucer is showing how hypocritical the church is.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Absalom's revenge was fitting.Alison was deceitful to Absalom along with other men she spoke to. I agree with Abby that Chaucer criticizes the unfaithful, and rudeness of woman.They appear be one thing, but under the beauty are something else.Chaucer says they say they act on the advice one gives them, and then is criticized for doing so after.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with everyone that Absalom's revenge is fitting. His revenge was not fitting because he was trying to have his way with a married woman. He did not deserve to get revenge because what he was doing was wrong and deserved to be embarrassed. I believe that Allison is not entirely to blame for her actions with Absalom and should not be held accountable for the situation as a whole. Chaucer is criticizing deceit and the unfaithful, so blame falls on Nicholas, Absalom, and John.
ReplyDelete