The Canterbury Tales · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.
Chapter 1
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 2
The Knight's Tale
Theseus proposes a tournament to settle the love rivalry between Palamon and Arcite for Emily, with each to bring a hundred knights to fight; he builds a grand theatre with temples to Venus, Mars, and Diana. The cousins argue over who loved Emily first, and after Perithous secures Arcite's release from prison on condition of exile, both lament their fates—Arcite for losing sight of Emily, Palamon for remaining imprisoned.
Chapter 3
The Miller's Tale
A bawdy and comedic tale of a foolish old carpenter, his young wife Alison, and two clerks—Nicholas and Absolon—who compete for her affections, leading to slapstick humiliation and a broken arm.
Chapter 4
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 5
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 6
The Reeve's Tale
The Reeve tells a story of revenge against a dishonest miller, mirroring the Miller's earlier tale. Two Cambridge students, Alein and John, outwit the miller Simkin by seducing his wife and daughter after he steals their grain.
Chapter 7
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 8
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 9
The Cook's Tale
The Cook begins a tale about a young apprentice named Perkyn, who is a reveller and thief. His master dismisses him, and he goes to live with a friend who is also a thief, and whose wife is a prostitute. The tale is incomplete.
Chapter 10
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 11
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 12
The Man of Law’s Tale
The Man of Law tells the story of Constance, a virtuous Christian princess who endures exile, shipwreck, false accusations, and murder plots, yet remains faithful to God. She marries the Syrian Sultan and later King Alla of Northumbria, ultimately being reunited with her father after many trials, highlighting the workings of divine providence.
Chapter 13
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 14
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 15
The Wife of Bath’s Tale
The Wife of Bath tells a tale about a knight who must discover what women most desire to avoid execution. After learning that women desire sovereignty over their husbands, he marries an old, wise woman who transforms into a beautiful and faithful wife once he grants her mastery.
Chapter 16
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 17
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 18
The Friar's Tale
The Friar tells a tale about a summoner who is corrupt and makes a pact with the devil, only to be dragged to hell. The story criticizes the hypocrisy and corruption within the church, particularly among summoners.
Chapter 19
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 20
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 21
The Sompnour's Tale
The Sompnour tells a tale of a friar who preaches against anger and then becomes enraged himself, exposing the hypocrisy of the church through a story of a corrupt summoner who is tricked by a cunning friar.
Chapter 22
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 23
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 24
The Clerk's Tale
The Clerk tells the story of Griseldis, a poor but virtuous woman who marries the nobleman Walter. To test her obedience and patience, Walter subjects her to a series of cruel trials, including taking away her children and pretending to divorce her. Griseldis endures all without complaint, and in the end, Walter reveals his tests were false, restoring her children and honor. The tale explores themes of patience, wifely obedience, and the nature of true nobility.
Chapter 25
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 26
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 27
Pars Prima
King Cambuscan of Tartary celebrates his birthday with a grand feast. A mysterious knight arrives bearing magical gifts: a brass steed that transports its rider anywhere in a day, a mirror that reveals truth and future adversity, a ring that allows understanding of birds and herbs, and a sword that inflicts wounds only healed by its flat. The king and his court marvel at the gifts, especially the horse, which stands immovable in the courtyard until the knight reveals its secret.
Chapter 28
Pars Secunda
Canacé, after receiving a magical ring and mirror, rises early and walks in the park. She encounters a beautiful peregrine falcon that has wounded itself in grief. Using her ring, Canacé understands the falcon's speech and learns that a tercel (male hawk) wooed her with feigned humility and love, then abandoned her for a kite. Canacé takes the falcon home, tends her wounds, and builds a mew for her. The Squire then promises to continue the tale with adventures of Cambuscan, Algarsife, and Camballo.
Chapter 29
Pars Tertia
The marquis, driven by a needless desire to test his wife's patience, falsely claims that his nobles resent her low birth and demand the removal of their daughter. Griselda meekly submits, allowing a sergeant to take the child away under the pretense of execution. She kisses and blesses the child before surrendering it, showing no outward grief. The marquis secretly sends the child to his sister in Bologna to be fostered, while Griselda remains steadfast and unchanged in her devotion.
Chapter 30
Pars Quarta
In this part, Walter continues to test his wife Griseldis's patience and loyalty. After four years, she bears a son, but Walter, still suspicious, pretends to yield to his people's murmurs and orders the child taken away, just as he did with their daughter. Griseldis submits without complaint, declaring she has no will but his. Walter secretly sends both children to Bologna to be raised by his sister's husband, the Earl of Panico. Meanwhile, rumors spread that Walter murdered his children, causing his people to hate him. After twelve years, Walter decides to test Griseldis further by sending forged papal bulls that seem to allow him to divorce her and marry another. He orders the Earl to bring the children back, pretending the maiden is his new bride.
Chapter 31
Pars Quinta
The marquis, still testing his wife Griseldis, publicly announces he will take a new wife and orders her to return to her father's house. Griseldis responds with unwavering patience and humility, agreeing to leave but asking only for a simple smock to cover her womb. She returns to her father, who curses the day she married, and she lives with him in humble patience, demonstrating a model of wifely obedience.
Chapter 32
Pars Sexta
The Earl of Panic arrives with Walter's supposed new wife, who is actually his daughter. Griselda, unaware, humbly serves and prepares the household for the wedding. Walter reveals the truth: the children are alive, and Griselda is his only wife. The family is reunited in joy, and Griselda is restored to honor. The tale concludes with a moral on constancy in adversity.
Chapter 33
L'Envoy of Chaucer
Chaucer directly addresses wives, urging them to abandon the passive patience of Griselda and instead adopt assertive, even combative, behavior toward their husbands. He advises them to use sharp eloquence, show no humility, and govern their households with strength, warning that meekness leads only to being devoured by the mythical beast Chichëvache.
Chapter 34
The Merchant's Tale
The Merchant tells a cynical tale of an old knight named January who marries a young woman named May, only to be cuckolded by his squire Damian. The tale explores themes of marriage, deception, and the folly of old age seeking youth.
Chapter 35
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 36
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 37
The Squire's Tale
The Squire begins a tale of romance and chivalry, featuring King Cambuscan and his daughter Canace, who receives magical gifts including a ring that allows her to understand the language of birds. The tale is left unfinished, interrupted by the Franklin's praise of the Squire's eloquence.
Chapter 38
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 39
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 40
Pars Prima
King Cambuscan of Tartary celebrates his birthday with a grand feast. A mysterious knight arrives bearing magical gifts: a brass steed that transports its rider anywhere in a day, a mirror that reveals truth and future adversity, a ring that allows understanding of birds and herbs, and a sword that inflicts wounds only healed by its flat. The king and his court marvel at the gifts, especially the horse, which stands immovable in the courtyard until the knight reveals its secret.
Chapter 41
Pars Secunda
Canacé, after receiving a magical ring and mirror, rises early and walks in the park. She encounters a beautiful peregrine falcon that has wounded itself in grief. Using her ring, Canacé understands the falcon's speech and learns that a tercel (male hawk) wooed her with feigned humility and love, then abandoned her for a kite. Canacé takes the falcon home, tends her wounds, and builds a mew for her. The Squire then promises to continue the tale with adventures of Cambuscan, Algarsife, and Camballo.
Chapter 42
The Franklin's Tale
The Franklin tells a tale of love, honor, and the tension between truth and gentility. The knight Arviragus marries the fair Dorigen, but when he leaves for England, Dorigen is courted by the squire Aurelius. To be free of his advances, she makes a rash promise that she will love him only when the rocks along the coast are removed. Aurelius, through a magician, makes the rocks disappear, and Dorigen is bound by her word. Arviragus, upon learning of the promise, insists she keep her word for the sake of truth. Aurelius, moved by their nobility, releases her from the promise, and the magician forgives the debt, illustrating the ideal of 'gentilesse'.
Chapter 43
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 44
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 45
The Doctor's Tale
The Physician tells the tragic story of Virginia, a beautiful and virtuous young woman whose father, Virginius, chooses to kill her rather than see her dishonored by the corrupt judge Appius.
Chapter 46
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 47
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 48
The Pardoner's Tale
The Pardoner, a corrupt church official, preaches a moral tale against greed and sin, using his own hypocrisy as a backdrop. He tells of three young rioters who set out to find Death, only to be undone by their own avarice when they discover a treasure and betray one another, leading to their mutual destruction.
Chapter 49
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 50
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 51
The Shipman’s Tale
A merchant's wife borrows money from a monk, who is also her lover, and repays the debt by sleeping with him. The merchant unknowingly facilitates the affair when the monk asks for a loan, which he then gives to the wife. The tale satirizes marital deception and financial greed.
Chapter 52
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 53
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 54
The Prioress's Tale
The Prioress tells a tale of a young Christian boy murdered by Jews for singing a hymn to the Virgin Mary, whose miraculous continued singing leads to the discovery of his body and the punishment of the perpetrators.
Chapter 55
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 56
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 57
Chaucer's Tale of Sir Thopas
Chaucer begins a tale in the style of a popular romance, introducing Sir Thopas, a handsome and chivalrous knight who embarks on a quest to win the love of an elf-queen. The tale is filled with exaggerated descriptions and repetitive rhymes, but is soon interrupted by the Host, who criticizes Chaucer's poor versification and boring story, prompting Chaucer to switch to a prose tale.
Chapter 58
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 59
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 60
Chaucer's Tale of Meliboeus
Chaucer tells a prose tale of Meliboeus, a wealthy man whose house is attacked and his wife Prudence and daughter wounded. Prudence counsels him to forgive his enemies and seek peace rather than vengeance, emphasizing the virtues of patience, reason, and mercy.
Chapter 61
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 62
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 63
The Monk's Tale
The Monk delivers a series of tragic tales about historical and mythological figures who fell from high status, illustrating the instability of fortune and the inevitability of downfall.
Chapter 64
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 65
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 66
The Nun's Priest's Tale
The Nun's Priest tells a beast fable about Chanticleer, a proud rooster, who is tricked by a flattering fox and nearly eaten, but escapes through his own quick thinking. The tale explores themes of pride, flattery, and the nature of dreams and prophecy.
Chapter 67
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 68
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 69
The Second Nun's Tale
The Second Nun recounts the life and martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, a noble Roman virgin who converts her husband Valerian and his brother Tiburce to Christianity. She withstands persecution under Prefect Almachius, survives an attempted execution by fire in a bath, and is finally beheaded after three strokes, spending her last days preaching and converting others.
Chapter 70
The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale
The Canon's Yeoman tells a tale of alchemy and deception, revealing the fraudulent practices of a canon who tricks a priest into believing he can transmute metals, ultimately exposing the corruption and futility of alchemical pursuits.
Chapter 71
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 72
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 73
The Manciple's Tale
The Manciple tells a fable about Phoebus (Apollo) who keeps a white crow that can speak and sing. Phoebus has a wife whom he loves jealously, but she takes a lover while he is away. The crow reveals the adultery to Phoebus, who in a rage kills his wife. Overcome with grief and remorse, Phoebus curses the crow, turning its feathers black and taking away its speech, condemning all crows to be black and voiceless. The tale warns against speaking too much and revealing uncomfortable truths.
Chapter 74
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 75
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 76
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on the nature of penitence, confession, and the seven deadly sins, urging the pilgrims to seek redemption and moral reform.
Chapter 77
The Prologue
As the Manciple finishes his tale, the sun is low and the Host notes that only one tale remains. He calls upon the Parson to tell a story, but the Parson refuses to tell a fable, insisting on a moral and virtuous tale in prose. The company agrees, and the Host urges him to be brief and fruitful before the sun sets.
Chapter 78
The Parson's Tale
The Parson delivers a lengthy sermon on penitence, beginning with a call to seek the old paths of righteousness. He defines penitence as the bewailing of sin with a purpose to amend, and describes its three actions (baptism after sin, avoidance of deadly sin after baptism, and daily repentance for venial sins) and its three species (solemn, common, and privy). He identifies three necessary components of perfect penitence: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction. The Parson then enumerates the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lechery—along with their remedies, such as humility, love, patience, fortitude, compassion, abstinence, and chastity. He concludes with detailed guidance on making a true and profitable confession, emphasizing sorrowful bitterness, promptness, and thoroughness.
Chapter 79
De Tertia Parte Poenitentioe
This chapter discusses the third part of penitence, satisfaction, which consists of almsdeed and bodily pain. It elaborates on three types of almsdeed, the importance of prayer (especially the Pater Noster), fasting, and other forms of bodily discipline. It also addresses obstacles to penance such as dread, shame, hope, and wanhope, and concludes with the fruit of penance: the endless bliss of heaven.
Chapter 80
Preces de Chauceres
Chaucer addresses his readers directly, asking them to thank Christ for any good in his writings and to attribute any faults to his own ignorance. He then offers a retraction of his worldly and sinful works, including the Canterbury Tales and other secular writings, while thanking God for his translations and devotional works. He prays for grace to repent and be saved.
Chapter 81
Endnotes
The endnotes provide editorial commentary on the placement and authenticity of various Canterbury Tales, including the Nun's Tale, the Canon's Yeoman's Tale, and the Franklin's Tale, as well as explanations of archaic terms and historical context. They also discuss Chaucer's original composition of the Life of Saint Cecile as a separate work and the unfinished state of the Squire's Tale.
