Everyone enjoyed the Miller's tale, except for Oswald the Reeve, for he is a carpenter by trade and somehow associates with the carpenter John in the tale. He rambles about the woes of old age, yet still retains his lust and energy.
The host reminds him that they are on a pilgrimage and do not have all day to complain, so Oswald the Reeve tells the pilgrims that his tale will use force and is in rebuttal to the Miller's tale, which he thinks is aimed at him. The small rivalry between the Miller and the Reeve is illustrated through his tale.
