What Moral Lesson Do You Find in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?”
The Nun's Priest's Tale is a notable literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Nun's Priest's Tale.
Answer
What moral lesson do you find in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?”
Moral lessons are the beliefs and ethical codes that help us differentiate between right and wrong societal actions. As the best fable, “The Nun Priest’s Tale” possesses numerous moral lessons. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) masterfully weaves the story centering the vaniest cock and a cunning fox. This 626-line-long mock epic poem exhibits some animal characters with human qualities to scatter the bright light of morality to us. Here is a list of moral learning we find in the poem.
Never Trust in Flattery: Flattery means excessive and unnecessary praise or compliments given to someone to get something illegal. In history, Kings, Queens, and political and religious leaders are flattered, but here Chanticleer, the proud cock is entrapped by the flattery of the deceitful fox. The cunning fox praises his voice and requests to crow before him. The cock blindly and foolishly accepts the request. Closing his eyes, he is grasped by the fox when he starts crowing.
Calamity Comes from Overconfidence: Overconfidence is a state of mind when someone shows too much confidence in a particular matter. In “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”, the arrogant cock is overconfident. He considers himself as the King of his territory. This arrogance and pride finally cause Chanticleer’s collapse in his ability to avoid danger. Chanticleer’s downfall alerts us against the dangers of overvaluing oneself. A quotation is to follow to know his boastful nature.
For he that wynketh, whan he sholde see,
Al wilfully, God lat him nevere thee!
The Frivolity of Believing Flattery: Creatures having human quality become pleased hearing false praises. Chanticleer is no exception. Pertelote’s encouragement befools him. When he expresses his dream to Pertelote, she chides him. Besides, she encourages him to disregard his prophetic dreams, which finally brings him downfall. It is a cautionary story against the damaging effects of flattery and blind trust.
Have ye no mannes herte, and han a berd?
Allas!
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