What does the Nun’s Priest say at the end of his story?
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 does the Nun’s Priest say at the end of his story? [2019, 2017] ✪✪✪
At the end of “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” Chaucer (1340-1400) makes the Priest speak with gentle wisdom. His story of Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the Fox ends not with sadness but with a lesson. He uses a farmyard event to teach deep truth.
The Lesson after the Escape: When Chauntecleer escapes from the Fox, the tale moves to its happy end. The proud rooster learns his mistake. He says that he will never trust sweet flatterers again. He also blames his pride. The Priest makes the story light but meaningful. After the chase through the widow’s yard, the animals return to peace. It shows that both pride and sweet words can bring danger.
The Moral of the Fox and the Cock: The Priest clearly conveys the main message to the readers. At the end of the story, Chauntecleer learns a hard truth,
“Wommennes conseils been ful ofte colde.”
(Women’s counsels are very often fatal;)
He also learns not to trust flattery again. The Fox’s praise of Chauntecleer’s singing was false. It made the rooster forget his fear and fall into danger. The Priest shows that flattery can trap even the wise. The event in the poor widow’s garden becomes a mirror of human life.
The Nun’s Priest’s Final Words: At the end, the Nun’s Priest turns to his audience with a soft moral voice. He asks everyone to pray that God protects them from the trap of the devil. The story of animals becomes a story of man’s soul. He ends with wisdom and cheer. The final message is clear: beware of pride, beware of flattery, and trust in God.
So, the Nun’s Priest ends his tale like a preacher and a poet. His story of Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the Fox is funny, wise, and full of truth. Through animals, he teaches men how to live carefully and humbly.