# The Miller's Tale explained — The Canterbury Tales

> Chapter companion for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Estate

The tale contrasts the status of a wealthy carpenter, a poor clerk, and a parish clerk, highlighting class tensions.

### Gender and Power

Alison uses her sexuality to manipulate men, yet ultimately is objectified and controlled by the male characters' schemes.

## Character check-ins

### The Miller

Tells this ribald tale, interrupting the Knight's story.

### Nicholas

A clever clerk who seduces Alison and devises a trick to sleep with her.

### Alison

The young and lively wife of John the carpenter, pursued by both Nicholas and Absolon.

### Absolon

A vain parish clerk who tries to woo Alison and is humiliated.

### John

The jealous old carpenter who is tricked into believing Noah's flood is coming.

## Key lines

> The Miller's Tale

The Miller tells a story about a carpenter, his wife, and two clerks.

_Opening of the tale._

## Links

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