The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
The Clerk's Tale explained
The Clerk tells the story of Griseldis, a poor but virtuous woman who marries the nobleman Walter.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Sovereignty
The tale examines the dynamics of marital power, with Walter's absolute authority and Griseldis's complete submission.
Sin and Redemption
Walter's cruel tests represent a form of sin, and Griseldis's patience leads to a redemptive restoration of family and honor.
Characters to notice
- Griseldis
The patient and virtuous wife who endures Walter's cruel tests without complaint.
- Walter
The nobleman who marries Griseldis and tests her obedience through extreme trials.
- Janicola
Griseldis's poor father who gives her away in marriage to Walter.
- The Clerk
The storyteller who narrates the tale of Griseldis and Walter.
Key passages
“Griseldis, a poor but virtuous woman, marries the nobleman Walter.”
A woman of low birth but high moral character becomes the wife of a wealthy lord.
Introduces the central character and her humble origins.
“Walter tests her obedience by taking away her children and pretending to divorce her.”
Walter puts Griseldis's loyalty to the test by removing their children and feigning a separation.
Describes the key trials that define the plot.
“Griseldis endures all without complaint.”
Griseldis suffers every hardship in silence and without protest.
Highlights her extreme patience and virtue.