# The Doctor's Tale explained — The Canterbury Tales

> Chapter companion for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/chapters/the-doctor-s-tale
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_canterbury_tales_se/chapters