Discuss the Miller's Prologue and Tale in the light of these interpretations, commenting on both Chaucer's intentions and the means he uses. .
"Chaucer never fails to give us a sense of the more serious side of life".
The Miller's Tale is a rude story told with speed and wit".
There are many contradictory interpretations concerning the Miller's Tale and it's underlying meaning (if there is one). Some people believe, as shown in the first statement, that it is simply a bawdy tale involving explicit language, actions and stock characters to comical affect. Others however, as shown by the second statement, believe that it is in fact an instructive tale, with many moralistic and challenging views being explored. .
The first interpretation suggests that The Miller's Tale was only written for fun and is a harmless romp. Support for this idea can be seen throughout the tale and even in the prologue. At the end of the Miller's Prologue, Chaucer states that the Miller is a "churl" and prepares the reader for the contraversial events that will occur. He also asks not to be blamed for the language and "harlotrie". It says that it is not to be taken seriously and this supports the view that it is only a rude story and nothing else. The Miller's tale is seen to be a typical fabliau which reflects a more down-to-earth and realistic view of life. The idea of courtly love appeared in The Knight's Tale and presents love in a serious and idealistic way. A fabliau however, such as The Miller's Tale, deals more with the comic and realistic affairs of love, often being very erotic by nature. They often invlove deception and use stock characters, such as the jealous husband and lecherous students. .
The language and sexual detail within The Miller's Tale appear to be unecessary for the general plot and so may have simple been added as comical affect, thus further supporting statement one. When Nicolas takes advantage of John's absense and proposes that Alison may cuckold him, the language he uses cotnrasts greatly with his actions.