Summary:
This essay goes into depth about three very prevalent literary genres used in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Provides quotes and specific examples from each tale and its genre.
Within William Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, many familiar medieval literary genres may be found. A very common tale that Chaucer uses is the fabliau, which is best portrayed in "The Miller's Tale." Another comedic genre, the beast fable, creates a moral through the use of animals instead of humans. In the Nun's Priest's Tale, Chaucer uses this fable to great effect. A third type of tale, the Breton lays, uses "The Franklin's Tale" to bring out the nobility of love. All three of these tales bring comedy and structure to a somewhat corrupt and violent clash of characters in William Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.
"The Miller's Tale" is characterized as a fabliau because it follows certain requisites. Just like any other true fabliau, "The Miller's Tale" focuses on the vulgar or lower class. The main character, a carpenter,.....
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