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Revenge in The Canterbury Tales

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Themes of revenge and vengeance play very significant roles in literature, media and also in life lessons. Through the tale of the Miller in the “The Canterbury Tales," Geoffrey Chaucer uses his characters to represent the themes of revenge and vengeance through their actions, responses to actions of others, and the ultimate outcome overall. Chaucer opens a window to readers, where they are able to view and directly connect with the actions, responses, and the overall themes presented in the story. Chaucer allows readers to directly experience the idea of revenge in the “Canterbury Tales”, through the second story told by the Miller using the characters actions to support that theme. Throughout the Millers tale, the character’s Alison, Nicholas the Handy, and Absalon all act as pawns by the narrator; acting out the idea of vengeance and revenge. Alison and Nicholas the Handy both want to be together and provide chaos to those who attempt to interrupt their affair. Absalon who is also in love with Alison; tries to summon her for a kiss, and she responds with the ultimate insult, the narrator explains: “’Come on,” she said, “be quick, no time to waste, we don’t want neighbors seeing you’ve come by.” Absalon wiped his mouth till it was dry. The night was dark as pitch, as black as coal, And from the window she stuck out her hole; And Absalon, not knowing north from south, then kissed her naked ass with eager mouth” (Chaucer 3728-3734). Analyzing this situation, readers can clearly see that Alison provoked anger and that Absalom was directly caused to feel as though he should take revenge. He states “In anger had to give his lip a bite, And to himself he said, “Ill set you right.” (Chaucer 3745-3746). Taking into consideration both quotes, the reader can see how each character provokes another causing anger to generate and eventually revenge to take place. Chaucer presents a “domino effect” by allowing

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