Narrate the circumstances that helped Chaunticleer escape from the mouth of Sir Russell, the fox.

Answer

Narrate the circumstances that helped Chaunticleer escape from the mouth of Sir Russell, the fox. [2020] 

In “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”, Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) tells a lively farmyard story full of wisdom and wit. The proud cock Chauntecleer falls into the trap of the sly Sir Russell, the fox. Yet, through clever words and quick wit, he saves his life.

The Fox’s Clever Trick: In the poor widow’s yard near the grove, the proud cock Chauntecleer meets the cunning Sir Russell. The fox hides quietly among the cabbages. He praises Chauntecleer’s sweet voice. He praises his voice in such a way,

“As any aungel hath that is in hevene.”

(As has any angel that is in heaven.)

He says to him to sing as his father did. Flattered, Chauntecleer closes his eyes and stretches his neck to sing. At that moment, the fox catches him by the throat and runs toward the forest. The hens cry loudly, and the widow, her daughters, and all the farm animals chase after them. The peaceful farm becomes full of noise and fear.

Chauntecleer’s Clever Plan: As the fox runs away with him, Chauntecleer quickly thinks of a plan. He speaks to Sir Russell in a calm voice. He says that the people are shouting in his honour. The fox becomes proud to hear it. Chauntecleer tells him to turn and tell them not to shout until he speaks to them. The foolish fox opens his mouth to answer. He forgets that he is holding the cock.

The Escape and Moral Lesson: When the fox opens his mouth, Chauntecleer jumps out and flies up into a tree. The fox tries again to trick him with soft words, but the wise cock says he will never trust a flatterer again. At last, the fox learns that pride and talk bring danger. The story ends with laughter and the moral that one should beware of flattery.

Thus, Chauntecleer escapes death by his