An Analysis of Humor in The Canterbury Tales

Written by Chaucer in the 14th century, The Canterbury Tales is an incredibly cogent piece that analyzes Middle Age English society. From the hypocritical to the horrifying, the tales are told by Chaucer himself, as well as several exaggerated character. One notable aspect of The Canterbury Tale is how humorous it can be. The deeply satirical text makes an abundance of jokes and sarcastic comments about the characters and situations. However, it is my belief that this use of humor has a greater story purpose than amusement. Throughout The Canterbury Tales, humor is used as a narrative device in a variety of ways.

The most obvious example of this would be The General Prologue, which introduces us to our storytellers, including the likes of the Knight, the Prioress, the Reeve, the Miller, and et cetera. Chaucer introduces these characters in quick succession, with a tone that seems almost admirable. However, when further analyzed, it is obvious that the compliments paid to these characters are mostly backhanded and sarcastic. Starting with the Prioress, in the Prologue she is presented (at face value) as a fair maiden, a woman of devotion and care. However, there are some purposeful contradictions in her introduction. For instance, its stated that she is so gentle hearted that “” She would weep if she saw a mouse/ Caught in a trap, if it were dead or bled.” (General Prologue, lines 144-145). In the next two lines, however, it is stated that “She had some small hounds that she fed/ With roasted meat, or milk and fine white bread.” (Lines 146-147). For a woman to be care so much for a mouse yet doesn’t seem to be bothered by feeding her dogs the meat of other, once living animals alludes to the idea that the dainty character the Prioress appears to be is just that, a character.

Another example of a religious figure with a lack of piety would be that of the Friar, otherwise known as Hubert. Friars during the time of the 14th Century were expected to be men of God who live in poverty, which evidently isn’t true of Hubert. From his double lined coat to how he heard confession “very sweetly”. It seemed that the Friar enjoyed luxuries that a man of his position should not. In terms of Hubert’s position, he holds it in high esteem: “He knew the taverns well in every town/ And every innkeeper and barmaid/ Better than a leper or a beggar-woman/ For unto such a worthy man as he/ It was not suitable, in view of his official position/ to have acquaintance with sick lepers.” This is in direct contrast to the purpose of a friar. Yet instead of condemning him, the prioress, or any of the suspicious characters mentioned in the prologue, Chaucer simply makes sarcastic remarks about them. The purpose of this is most likely to flesh out the tale-tellers personality and flaws in a unique, entertaining way, contrasting the sweet words spoken of them with the muddy reality.

Another interesting example of humor would be that of The Knights Tale, The Millers Prologue, and The Millers Tale. The Knights Tale is one generally held in high esteem, even garnering comparisons between itself and the Shakespearean comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written in the late 16th century. The Knight’s Tale weaves the story of Palaman and Arcite, two cousins and soldiers from Thebes, imprisoned in an Athenian tower by the ruler of Athens, Theseus. There, they spot Emelye, a beautiful maiden and sister-in-law to Theseus. Both men fall in love with her, which sparks a series of events leading to Palaman and Arcite battling for Emelye’s hand in marriage, with Palaman being the victor. This tale touches upon themes of courtly love, honor, fortune and misfortune. This reflects the character of the Knight, a chivalrous, honor bound man. This story is well received by the Host, who then asks the Monk if he can match it. But when the Monk begins to speak, the Miller drunkenly intercedes: “I know a noble tale for this occasion/ with which I will now requite the Knight’s Tale.” The Miller, who admits himself so drunk that he is not sure if he can recite the tale fully, goes on to tell one of the most vulgar, offensive tales among the collection, filled with such crude matter as cuckolding, potty humor, and a unfortunately placed fire poker. The tale, much like its predecessor, tells the story of two men vying for one woman’s affections. But instead of the noble Palaman and Arcite of the previous story, we get Nicholas, a young astrology student and Absalon, a fastidious incense swinger, courting the likes of Alison, the young wife of an older carpenter named John. The tale plays out with Nicholas and Alison tricking John into building three tub like boats to protect themselves from an incoming flood, distracting him from their night of adultery. Later that night, Absalon comes to serenade Alison and confess his feelings. Absalon begs for a kiss, to which Alison agrees in a treacherous manner. “And at the window out she put her hole/And Absalon, to him it happened, no better nor worse/ But with his mouth he kissed her naked ass/ With great relish, before he was aware of this/ Back he jumped, and thought it was amiss, for well he knew a woman has no beard.” The tale’s vulgarity, which only escalates from here serves multiple purposes besides simple entertainment. For one, it is a reflection on its teller, the same way the knight is reflected through his tale. It also serves as a stark contrast to The Knights Tale, and in a way, reads as a loose parody of the preceding tales. Its purpose is also to showcase the range of writing that Chaucer has, able to write both serious and hilarious stories within the same framework.

Chaucer’s humor is varied. At times it is vulgar and overblown. At times it is sneaky and subdued. Its use is varied too. At times it is satirical, pointing out the perceived flaws in society in a facetious manner. Other times it’s brash to match the character telling the story. Sometimes its just there to make you laugh. One consistent thing about Chaucer’s humor is how focused it is on human nature. The comedy in the story is meant to be a lighthearted criticism on its subjects and the things they represent. No matter how serious or esteemed the character may be, none are above that of a few jabs here and there. In a sense, it makes its character feel grounded and flawed. Even the mightiest among them, the knight, is ironically described as being gentle. You can even see aspects of this writing today, with characters being subjected to jokes and humiliation in an effort to humble them. Humor, in my opinion, is the most interesting tool in Chaucer’s arsenal, as it is one of the reasons his story is elevated from an ancient piece of work, to a collection of tales still being studied to this day.

Works Cited

1. Chaucer, Geoffrey. Interlinear Translations of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, sites.fas.harvard.edu/~chaucer/teachslf/tr-index.htm.