Page 109 - DENG405_BRITISH_POETRY

British Poetry Gowher Ahmad Naik, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 12: The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

(Non-detailed Study): Discussion and Analysis-IV

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
12.1 The Friar’s Tale

12.1.1 Prologue to the Friar’s Tale
12.1.2 The Friar’s Tale Text

12.2 The Summoner’s Tale

12.2.1 Prologue to the Summoner’s Tale
12.2.2 The Summoner’s Tale Text

12.3 Summary
12.4 Keywords

12.5 Review Questions
12.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain the prologue and text of the Friar’s tale
• Explain the prologue and text of the Summoner’s tale
• Describe briefly the analysis of the Friar’s and the Summoner’s tale.

Introduction

The Friar insults the Summoner, continuing the feud the two began earlier. He then uses his tale to
intensify the insult. In his tale are all the elements of the fabliau: the plot unfolds scene by scene; it
turns on trickery; and the ease with which a stupid man is outsmarted. The Friar’s Tale also has
elements of the exemplum, a perfect story of terrible behavior with a moral ending. This story of the
Summoner meeting the devil is found in earlier Latin and German versions and had also been told in
English. This problem with an exploitive clergy was an ancient one, and it is somewhat ironic that
while the story is intended to condemn the Summoner, it actually condemns all extortioners, many of
whom were Friars. Nevertheless, the theme is unmistakable: the relationship between avarice and
the devil is extremely close and will land its practitioners in hell very quickly. The tale is concluded
with the Squire’s serving boy offering a solution to the division problem for the price of a new suit.
The insult is never addressed, Thomas goes unpunished, and the pageboy gets a new suit.

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