3 papers analyzed
These studies suggest The Miller's Tale challenges anti-intellectualism by valuing laughter equally for all, parodies various forms of knowledge and transcendental experiences, and uses intertextuality and fabliaux writing.
"The Miller's Tale," one of Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous stories from "The Canterbury Tales," has been the subject of extensive scholarly analysis. This critique will explore the tale's treatment of labor, intellectualism, and intertextuality, drawing on recent research to provide a comprehensive understanding.
In "Curious Labor in the Miller's Tale," the author examines how Chaucer juxtaposes intellectual and manual labor through the character of John and his reference to the fall of an astrologer. This reference raises questions about the value of different types of labor and knowledge. The paper argues that Chaucer does not simply validate anti-intellectualism or glorify manual labor; instead, he presents both as equally deserving of satire and laughter. This nuanced portrayal challenges the reader to reconsider the societal value placed on different forms of work.
Another layer of complexity in "The Miller's Tale" is its rich intertextuality. The paper "On Parodied Desires: An Intertextual Study of The Miller’s Tale" delves into how Chaucer parodies various texts, including the transcendental laughter in Boccaccio's "Teseide" and the biblical story of Moses. By employing a fabliaux mode of writing, Chaucer not only assimilates and pastiches these pre-texts but also critiques them. This intertextual approach reveals deeper meanings within the tale, such as the desire to transcend earthly concerns and the undermining of human knowledge through bodily narration.
"The Miller's Tale" is a multifaceted narrative that engages with themes of labor, intellectualism, and intertextuality. Through a careful examination of these elements, scholars have highlighted Chaucer's ability to blend humor with critical social commentary. By neither fully endorsing nor dismissing the value of intellectual and manual labor, and by weaving a complex web of intertextual references, Chaucer creates a tale that continues to resonate with contemporary readers and scholars alike.
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