The Canterbury Tales | The Nun's Priest's Tale Summary & Analysis | Geoffrey Chaucer

Summary

In 'The Nun's Priest's Tale' from Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales,' Chanticleer, a rooster, has a nightmare about a fox. Despite his skepticism, he heeds the dream's warning. When a fox tricks him into singing, Chanticleer is captured but escapes with the help of his hens. The tale highlights the importance of dreams, warns against flattery and trickery, and teaches the value of vigilance. It ends with praise for the tale's moral lessons, showcasing Chaucer's storytelling prowess.

Takeaways

• 🐓 The story revolves around Chanticleer, a rooster, and his hens, including Pertelote, who has a nightmare about a fox.
• 🌙 Chanticleer believes dreams have meaning, while Pertelote dismisses her nightmare as meaningless.
• 🦊 A fox tricks Chanticleer by pretending to be friendly and appreciating his singing, then captures him.
• 🏃‍♀️ The widow and her daughters, along with their animals, pursue the fox to rescue Chanticleer.
• 🌳 Chanticleer escapes by tricking the fox into thinking he's going to come down from a tree.
• 🗣️ Chanticleer advises the fox to insult their pursuers, which distracts them and allows Chanticleer to escape.
• 💡 The story illustrates the importance of being cautious of flattery and tricksters.
• 🐺 The fox learns the lesson of keeping quiet and not underestimating his prey.
• 📚 The Nun's Priest's Tale is a fable that teaches multiple lessons, not just one moral.
• 👥 Chaucer suggests that everyone can find a reflection of themselves in the characters: the proud Chanticleer, the skeptical Pertelote, and the cunning fox.
• 🎉 The tale is well-received, indicating that effective storytelling combines learning with narrative talent.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in 'The Nun's Priest's Tale' from 'The Canterbury Tales'?

The main conflict revolves around Chanticleer, the rooster, who has a nightmare about a fox trying to kill him, and later faces a real fox that tries to deceive him.

What is the significance of the dream Chanticleer has in the story?

The dream serves as a premonition and a warning to Chanticleer of the danger that awaits him, highlighting the importance of paying attention to dreams.

How does Lady Pertelote react to Chanticleer's nightmare?

Lady Pertelote dismisses Chanticleer's nightmare as meaningless and calls him a coward, suggesting that dreams are not to be taken seriously.

What does the fox initially claim when he approaches Chanticleer?

The fox claims to be friendly and only wants to listen to Chanticleer's beautiful singing, which is a deception to get closer to him.

How does Chanticleer escape the fox after being captured?

Chanticleer escapes by tricking the fox into thinking he will come down from the tree after the fox insults their pursuers, but instead, Chanticleer flies away to safety.

What moral lesson does the story convey about trusting flatterers?

The story teaches that one should be wary of flatterers, as they may have ulterior motives and try to deceive you.

What is the role of the other animals and the widow in the story?

The other animals and the widow play a supportive role, as they join in the pursuit to rescue Chanticleer from the fox.

How does the tale end, and what is the final outcome for Chanticleer and the fox?

The tale ends with Chanticleer outsmarting the fox and escaping to safety, while the fox is left without his intended prey.

What does the story suggest about the nature of pride and gullibility?

The story suggests that pride and gullibility can lead to one's downfall, as seen in Chanticleer's initial trust in the fox's flattery.

What is the significance of the tale being told by the Nun's Priest?

The tale being told by the Nun's Priest serves as a form of entertainment and moral instruction for the pilgrims in 'The Canterbury Tales'.

How does the audience react to the Nun's Priest's tale?

The audience, including Harry Bailey, approves of the tale, appreciating its storytelling and the moral lessons it conveys.