The Miller's Tale: Differentiation of Sex

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The Miller's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer is a mirror of medieval society particularly in the way it depicts the relationships between men and women as well as giving a realistic portrait of working class people during the middle ages. Alison, the main character illustrates how a woman was able to use her sex through her actions of deceit to many characters. Popular belief holds that courtly love was prevalent during the medieval period; however The Miller's Tale provides a more realistic look into sexual relationships through its use of infidelity and sexual humor. Chaucer's characters are typical middle class workers rather than elite nobility. In addition, many of the characters seem heartless and corrupt. Alison's character is far away from most others in her mere selfishness followed by inappropriate humor leading to Nicolas and his "injury." She responds to her husband's jealousy and protective nature by a flirtatious demeanor. As most literature does, The Miller's Tale has a moral even though it's slanted and the punishable party is no t appropriately disciplined. Love in this time period was portrayed in a different manner than in The Miller's Tale. Though Alison was not high in the class system, she could not have been considered "good" enough for any lord as a mistress or any common man as a wife, "For any lord to leggen in his bedde, Or yet for any good yeman to wedde", (Lines 161-162). Though, when Alison was wed to an older man she lacked any attraction and longed to be away from him. Alison is thought to be a newly budded youthful pear tree suggesting her childlike vibrancy and causing many to consider her desirable. Chaucer uses many statements that can be interpreted in a different manner with massive ambiguity. ... ... middle of paper ... ...held with a different responsibility for there actions. Women had a fear for there husbands more than a respect. While Alison cheated on her husband, she worried that he would have her and/or Nicolas killed. She didn't worry that he would be hurt in the matter. The only character that had any sensitivity was Absolon. He chose to declare his love for Alison in a more courteous and classic manner. Society is portrayed differently now than the medieval period. Women are stereotyped of as the overly sensitive while men lack. In The Miller's Tale, the roles were exchanged. It was a popular thought that courtly love was more common during Chaucer's time but he shows a different approach and a "behind the scenes" look at middle class people. A fairy tale has a moral that is clear and concise, however, The Miller's Tale has a moral but it's more discrete and indefinite.

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