Describe the Fox after “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.” 

Answer

How is Sir Russel, the fox, depicted in ‘The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”? [2021] ✪✪✪

Or, Describe the fox after “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”. [2019] 

In “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) presents Sir Russel the fox as a clever flatterer. He lives in the grove beside the widow’s small cottage. His cunning plan against Chauntecleer the cock brings humour, danger, and a moral warning against flattery.

Cunning and Careful: Sir Russel is very sly and careful. Chaucer says, 

“A col-fox, ful of sly iniquitee.”

(A fox, full of sly iniquity.)

He waits in the widow’s yard. He hides among the cabbages to catch Chauntecleer. Like a thief, he knows the right time to attack. His soft words and sweet manners hide his cruel plan. He acts like a friend but thinks like a hunter. His clever tricks make him one of Chaucer’s most lively animal figures.

Master of Flattery: The fox wins by his smooth talk. He praises Chauntecleer’s singing and says he has a voice, 

“As any aungel hath that is in hevene.”

(As has any angel that is in heaven.)

These false words please the proud cock. Chauntecleer stretches his neck, closes his eyes, and begins to crow. At once, Sir Russel jumps up and catches him by the throat. Through this event, Chaucer laughs at those who love praise more than truth.

Punished by His Own Pride: At last, the fox himself becomes a fool. When Chauntecleer tricks him by saying turn again, he opens his mouth to speak. Then, the cock escapes. The yard fills with noise, and Sir Russel runs back to the grove in shame. His cleverness turns to failure. Chaucer teaches that flattery and deceit never win for long.

Sir Russel, the fox, is a symbol of false friendship and pride. His sweet words bring trouble to others and finally to himself. Chaucer’s fox makes us laugh, but he also reminds us