104 Views
Literature Xpres
0
Literature Xpres Menu

What Medicine did Pertelote Suggest for Chaunticleer’s Nightmare?

Shape Shape

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 in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”?

 

Chaunticleer is the protagonist of the beast fable “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” It is the most famous and iconic poem of Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). Chaunticleer had a nightmare one night. So he feels unforgettable. Then, his loving wife, Lady Pertelote, indicates to him something to recover from this situation and tension.

 

Herbal Remedy: In Chaucer’s “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” Pertelote suggests that Chaunticleer, the rooster who had a nightmare, should take some herbs to cure his discomfort. Specifically, she suggests that he should eat some henbane, also known as hemlock. Pertelote believes it will have a calming effect on him and cure his nightmares. Pertelote says,

 

For God’s love go and take some laxative;

 

However, Chaunticleer is skeptical of her suggestion and argues that he has never heard of henbane being used to cure nightmares before. He also points out that he knows of several instances where animals have died after eating henbane. Instead, he believes that he can interpret his dream himself and does not need the help of any medicine. He argues that dreams are significant and bear deep meaning, 

 

That dreams, indeed, are good significations,

 

Therefore, Pertelote suggests medicine to cure Chaunticleer’s nightmare is henbane or hemlock, but Chaunticleer ultimately rejects the idea and relies on his own interpretation of his dream. He believes that dream is significant. Actually, Chaunticleer could forecast the upcoming danger of his life. So he quotes from the Bible, Mythology, and the death of St. Kenelm.