How did the fox flatter the cock and seize him in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”? 

Answer

How did the fox flatter the cock and seize him in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”? 

“The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a beast fable composed by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). In this tale, Chaucer reveals the flattery of a cunning fox named Sir Russell. He flatters Chaunticleer at the end of the beast fable and tries to kill him.

Making a Plan to Seize: Sir Russell lived in the woods. One night, he enters the widow’s yard, crossing the fence. Chaunticleer, Lady Pertelote, and other hens were relaxing there. Then, Sir Russell targeted Chaunticleer. He was in search of a chance to seize him. So, he laid down in a bed of herbs till mid-morning.

The Presence of the Fox: Chaunticleer was a little bit gloomy for his terrible dream at night. But he started to sing merrily. He was in a relaxed state of mind. Suddenly, he saw a butterfly over the herbs. Then, he felt the presence of the fox. He became so much frightened. His fear was increasing because of his terrible dream at night. So, he stopped singing, jumped up, and cried out loudly, saying, ‘Chuck, chuck.’ He was going to flee from that place.

The Fox’s Flattery: Then the cunning fox admired his singing voice and addressed him as Noble Sir. He says,

Gentle sir, alas! Why be thus gone?

Are you afraid of me, who am your friend?

The fox also assured him that he would not do any harm to him. But the cock named Chaunticleer could not believe him. So, the fox tried again and again to impress him. He started to flatter him by all means. The fox compared Chaunticleer’s voice with the angel of heaven. He likewise informed that he took Chaunticleer’s father and mother to his house. Then, the fox narrated the singing voice and style of Chaunticleer’s father and ensured that nobody except Chaunticleer could sing in such a way and merrily. Then he requested Chaunticleer to sing like his father. Chaunticleer is flattered here.

Chaunticleer Trapped by the Fox: Chaunticleer never realized the evil plan of the fox. He stood proudly on his toes, extended his voice, and closed his eyes. Then he started to sing aloud. At that time, the cunning fox jumped up, seized Chaunticleer by his throat, and ran towards the grove. 

And Russel Fox, he started up at once,

And by the gorget grabbed our Chanticleer,

Flung him on back, and toward the wood did steer,

Thus, the fox flattered Chaunticleer.