The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
The Doctor's Tale explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Corruption and Hypocrisy in the Church
Appius, a judge, abuses his legal authority to satisfy his lust, highlighting systemic corruption in positions of power.
Gender and Power
Virginia's body and honor are controlled by men—her father and the judge—illustrating the lack of agency for women in a patriarchal society.
Characters to notice
- Virginius
The noble father who kills his daughter to preserve her honor.
- Sir Appius
The corrupt judge who lusts after Virginia and conspires to possess her.
- Claudius
The churl who falsely claims Virginia is his servant, acting on Appius's orders.
Key passages
“A mayde, whylom dwellynge in the citee / Of Rome, of which the name was Virginius / Fulfild of honour and of worthynesse.”
There once lived a maiden in the city of Rome named Virginia, who was full of honor and virtue.
Introduces the protagonist Virginia and her noble character.
“This false juge, that highte Appius, / So was he set on this mayde, that he / Ne myghte nat abyde for to see / The day that he myghte have his wille.”
The corrupt judge Appius became so obsessed with the maiden that he could not wait to have his way with her.
Describes Appius's lustful fixation on Virginia.
“O false theef, ther is a wikked man / That hath by-gunne a fals plee agayn me / And seith, that thou art his servant, and I / Have thee in kepynge, as his propre good.”
A wicked man has brought a false lawsuit against me, claiming you are his servant and that I am keeping you as his property.
Virginius tells Virginia of Claudius's false claim, orchestrated by Appius.
“And tooke the child, and made a sory chere, / And kiste hir, and gan wepe, and made hir chere, / And seyde, 'Doghter, I have no thyng but thee / To save my name and myn honestee.'”
He took the child, looking sorrowful, kissed her, wept, and comforted her, saying, 'Daughter, I have nothing but you to preserve my name and honor.'
Virginius prepares to kill Virginia to protect her honor.