Introduction to Nonnes Preestes Tale [Short Summary]

Introduction to Nonnes Preestes Tale

A study of Priest that was a major part of the Pilgrimage in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales 

• Objectives
• Introduction to the Unit
• Introduction to the Nonne Preestes Tale (NPT)
• Notes on the Narrative Art
• Stories and Story-Tellers in the Tale
• The Priest, the Poet, and other Characters in the Tale
• The ironic Structure-Sympathy and Detachment
• The Complex Formal Design: Sermon, Fable, Mock-heroic, Comic, Ironic

Objectives:

This study aims to provide an analysis of the Priest, a major character in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, specifically in the Nonne Preestes Tale. It will examine the narrative art, structure, and characters of the tale, as well as the role of the Priest in the story. The study will also explore the complex formal design of the tale and how it blends various literary genres.

This study aims to provide an analysis of the Priest, his role in The Canterbury Tales, and his contribution to the Nonne Preestes Tale (NPT). It also intends to discuss the narrative art employed by Chaucer in the NPT, and how it contributes to the overall structure of the Canterbury Tales.

Introduction to the Unit:

Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The tales are varied in genre and theme, ranging from romance and adventure to morality and satire. The Nonne Preestes Tale is a fable that tells the story of a proud rooster named Chanticleer, his cunning wife, and a deceitful fox.

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The Priest is one of the many characters in this collection, and he tells the tale of the Nonne Preestes, a story about a rooster named Chanticleer and his adventures. The Priest is described as a "man of the cloth" who is well-read and educated.

Introduction to the Nonne Preestes Tale (NPT):

The Nonne Preestes Tale is a story within a story, as the Priest tells the tale to the other pilgrims while they are on their pilgrimage. The story is a moral fable that explores the themes of pride, deception, and the consequences of arrogance.

The NPT is a story about a rooster named Chanticleer, who is in love with a hen named Pertelote. One day, Chanticleer has a dream that a fox is trying to kill him, but his wife tells him not to worry about it. The fox eventually tricks Chanticleer into coming down from the tree where he was hiding, and he almost captures him, but Chanticleer manages to escape. The tale ends with Chanticleer being grateful for his escape and the moral that people should be cautious of flattery.

Notes on the Narrative Art:

The narrative art of the Nonne Preestes Tale is a blend of various literary genres. It combines elements of a sermon, fable, mock-heroic, comic, and ironic styles. The Priest uses these different literary techniques to convey his message and entertain his listeners.

Chaucer uses several narrative techniques in the NPT, including the use of animal characters, the use of dreams, and the use of a mock-heroic tone. The characters in the tale are anthropomorphic, which means that they are given human characteristics. This allows Chaucer to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The dream sequence in the tale is also significant because it allows Chaucer to explore the idea of fate and how it can be influenced by outside forces. Finally, the mock-heroic tone of the tale adds a sense of humor and irony to the story.

Stories and Story-Tellers in the Tale:

The Priest is described as a good and honorable man who loves God and serves his congregation well. He is a devout Christian who is not interested in worldly things. The Priest's Tale is a fable that teaches a moral lesson. The story is about Chanticleer, a rooster who is the king of a barnyard, and his wife Pertelote. Chanticleer has a dream that he will be killed by a predator, and he shares this with Pertelote, who mocks him for being superstitious. However, Chanticleer's fears are realized when a fox abducts him. Chanticleer outwits the fox and escapes by pretending to give the fox a lecture on the art of singing, and while the fox is caught up in the lecture, Chanticleer flies away to safety.

The Priest tells this story to illustrate the point that one should always be on guard against flattery and deception, which can lead to one's downfall. In the Priest's Tale, Chanticleer represents the human soul, which can be ensnared by the devil, and the fox represents the devil himself. The moral of the story is that one should always be vigilant and not let one's guard down.

The Priest, the Poet, and other Characters in the Tale:

The Priest's Tale is considered one of the most successful tales in The Canterbury Tales. The Priest uses his narrative skills to create a world that is vivid and believable. The Priest’s narrative voice is compelling, and his story is engaging. The Priest is an honest and sincere storyteller, and his tale reflects his character. It is a story that is simple in form, yet profound in its implications.

Chaucer's use of the Priest as a storyteller is significant. The Priest is a member of the church, and as such, he is a representative of God. The Priest's Tale is a reflection of the religious beliefs of the time. It emphasizes the importance of piety and morality and encourages people to be vigilant against evil. It is a reminder that faith and morality are important in life.

The ironic Structure-Sympathy and Detachment:

One of the most significant aspects of the Priest's Tale is the use of irony. The story is full of ironic moments that add depth and complexity to the narrative. For example, the rooster, who is supposed to be a symbol of masculinity and strength, is portrayed as vulnerable and weak when he is captured by the fox. The fox, on the other hand, is supposed to be a symbol of cunning and intelligence, but he is portrayed as foolish and gullible when he falls for Chanticleer's trick.

The Priest's Tale is also characterized by a sense of detachment. The Priest tells the story in a calm and measured tone, which creates a sense of detachment between the reader and the story. This detachment allows the reader to reflect on the story's moral message and draw their conclusions.

The Complex Formal Design: Sermon, Fable, Mock-heroic, Comic, Ironic

The Nonne Preestes Tale in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a masterful example of the complexity of Chaucer's writing. The tale has a multi-layered structure that blends various genres and tones, including the sermon, fable, mock-heroic, comic, and ironic.

At first, the tale appears to be a simple fable about a rooster and his hens, but it quickly evolves into a more complex narrative that involves elements of chivalric romance, satire, and Christian allegory. The tale also features a mock-heroic tone, as the rooster, Chanticleer, is portrayed as a great warrior and hero. However, this is soon undercut by the comic and ironic elements of the tale, as Chanticleer is ultimately tricked by a fox.

Furthermore, the tale features a sermon-like tone, as it conveys a moral lesson about the dangers of flattery and the importance of using one's reason and common sense. This moral message is further complicated by the ironic distance that Chaucer creates between the narrator, the characters, and the reader, as the tale ultimately shows the limitations of reason and the inevitability of fate.

Overall, the complex formal design of the Nonne Preestes Tale showcases Chaucer's skill as a writer and his ability to merge multiple genres and tones into a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative.

Conclusion:

The Nonne Preestes Tale in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is an engaging story that teaches moral lessons through the use of various literary techniques. The Priest plays a significant role in the tale, as he is the storyteller who employs a blend of genres to captivate his audience. The story also features a range of characters, including the proud rooster, the cunning wife, and the deceitful fox. The complex formal design of the tale blends several literary genres to create an entertaining and informative story. Overall, the Nonne Preestes Tale is a testament to Chaucer's skill as a storyteller and his ability to blend different literary genres to create a unique and engaging tale.