What Medicine did Pertelote Suggest for Chaunticleer’s Nightmare?
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 medicine did Pertelote suggest for Chaunticleer’s nightmare? [2019, 2017] ✪✪✪
In “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” Geoffrey Chaucer(1340-1400) mixes humor and wisdom through talking animals. When Chauntecleer dreams of a beast in the widow’s farmyard, his wife Pertelote laughs at him. She calls his fear silly and gives him her medical advice.
Pertelote’s Reaction to the Dream: Early morning in the widow’s cottage, Chauntecleer groans after a fearful dream of a fox. Pertelote becomes angry. She calls him a coward. She says,
“I kan nat love a coward.”
(I can not love a coward.)
She thinks dreams come from the body, not from fate. She believes there is no meaning in dreams. Her practical mind turns to medicine.
Her Herbal Medicine Advice: Pertelote behaves like a village doctor. She says Chauntecleer’s dream is the result of overeating. She advises him,
“Taak som laxatyf.”
(Take some laxative.)
She lists many herbs to clean his body. Her words show how learned and confident she is.
Her Belief in Health and Reason: Pertelote does not believe in dreams or divine signs. She believes only in nature and medicine. She says he should avoid fear and enjoy food and rest. To her, health and courage make a strong husband. Her advice shows the difference between her worldly wisdom and Chauntecleer’s superstitious mind.
So, Pertelote’s medicine was a mix of herbal cures and laughter. She tried to heal Chauntecleer’s body with herbs and his heart with courage. But her advice failed, and soon the dream came true; the fox really appeared in the yard.