Well we have decided to help students by providing some insights such as summary and poetic devices and analysis of the poem to aid them understand and prepare ahead of their examination.
Poem Text
Once, long ago, there dwelt a poor old widow
In a small cottage, by a little meadow
Beside a grove and standing in a dale.
This widow-woman of whom I tell my tale
Since the sad day when last she was a wife
Had led a very patient, simple life.
Little she had in capital or rent.
But still, by making do with what God sent.
She kept herself and her two daughters going.
Three hefty sows - no more - were all her showing.
Three cows as well; there was a sheep called Molly.
Sooty her hall, her kitchen melancholy,
And there she ate full many a slender meal;
There was no sauce piquante to spice her veal,
No dainty morsel ever passed her throat,
According to her cloth she cut her coat.
Repletion never left her in disquiet
And all her physic was a temperate diet,
Hard work for exercise and heart's content.
And rich man's gout did nothing to prevent8
Her dancing, apoplexy struck her not;
She drank no wine, nor white, nor red had got.
Her board was mostly served with white and black,
Milk and brown bread, in which she found no lack;
Broiled bacon or an egg or two were common,
She was in fact a sort of dairy-woman.
She had a yard that was enclosed about
By a stockade and a dry ditch without,
In which she kept a cock called Chanticleer.
In all the land for crowing he'd no peer;
His voice was jollier than the organ blowing
In church on Sundays, he was great at crowing.
Far, far more regular than any clock
Or abbey bell the crowing of this cock.
The equinoctial wheel and its position*
At each ascent he knew by intuition;
At every hour - fifteen degrees of movement -
He crowed so well there could be no improvement.
His comb was redder than fine coral, tall
And battlemented like a castle wall,
His bill was black and shone as bright as jet,
Like azure were his legs and they were set
On azure toes with nails of lily white,
Like burnished gold his feathers, flaming bright.
This gentlecock was master in some measure
Of seven hens, all there to do his pleasure.
They were his sisters and his paramours,
Coloured like him in all particulars;
She with the loveliest dyes upon her throat
Was known as gracious Lady Pertelote.
Courteous she was, discreet and debonair,
Companionable too, and took such care
In her deportment, since she was seven days old
She held the heart of Chanticleer controlled,
Locked up securely in her every limb;
what a happiness his love to him!
And such a joy it was to hear them sing,
As when the glorious sun began to spring.
In sweet accord, My Love is far from land*
- For in those far off days I understand
All birds and animals could speak and sing.
(shortened)
Summary of the Tale
The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is a fable that tells the story of Chanticleer, a proud and magnificent rooster, and his favorite hen, Lady Pertelote. The story is set in the humble household of a poor widow, who lives a simple life with her three pigs, three cows, and a sheep named Molly. Despite her limited wealth, she is content with what she has and lives a peaceful life.
Chanticleer, the proud and handsome rooster, is the leader of seven hens and is known for his beautiful crowing, which is more precise than a clock or an abbey bell. He has vibrant feathers, a bright red comb, and a shining black beak, making him the most admired bird in the land. His favorite companion is Lady Pertelote, a beautiful, graceful, and intelligent hen who has captured his heart.
The story suggests that Chanticleer and Pertelote live a happy life, singing together at dawn. However, as in most fables, the tale contains a moral lesson about pride, flattery, and the dangers of trusting appearances.
Author’s Background
Geoffrey Chaucer (1343–1400) was an English poet, author, and diplomat, widely regarded as the Father of English literature. He is best known for The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury.
The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is one of these stories and is a beast fable, meaning it uses talking animals to teach moral lessons. This tale is known for its humor, satire, and clever use of irony, making it one of Chaucer’s most entertaining stories.
Setting
The story takes place in a rural countryside, in the small farm of a poor widow.
- Physical Setting: The widow’s simple home and fenced yard, where she keeps a few farm animals, including Chanticleer and his hens.
- Emotional Setting: The farm is humble yet peaceful, contrasting with Chanticleer’s proud and boastful nature, which will later lead to trouble.
Stanza Structure and Analysis
This version of The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is a narrative poem written in Middle English and later adapted into modern English. It follows rhymed couplets (two lines that rhyme) and has a flowing, musical quality that makes it enjoyable to read.
Section 1: The Widow’s Simple Life (Lines 1–16)
- The widow is poor but content, living a simple life with her two daughters and farm animals.
- She does not seek luxury or excess, relying only on basic food and hard work.
- The phrase "According to her cloth she cut her coat" means she lived within her means, never asking for more than she needed.
- The moral contrast: The widow’s humility and moderation are later compared with Chanticleer’s pride, teaching a lesson about contentment vs. vanity.
Section 2: Chanticleer, the Proud Rooster (Lines 17–36)
- Chanticleer is introduced as a magnificent rooster, admired for his appearance and crowing ability.
- His "comb was redder than fine coral", and his feathers shone like burnished gold, making him a symbol of pride and vanity.
- He has seven hens, but his favorite is Lady Pertelote, whom he loves deeply.
- The description of Chanticleer suggests that his beauty and pride will eventually lead to his downfall.
Section 3: Lady Pertelote, His Wise Companion (Lines 37–47)
- Lady Pertelote is described as charming, intelligent, and well-mannered.
- Chanticleer adores her and listens to her advice, making her a strong and influential character.
- The phrase "She held the heart of Chanticleer controlled" shows that love gives her power over him.
Themes in "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale"
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Pride and Vanity
- Chanticleer is beautiful and proud, but his vanity makes him vulnerable to flattery and deception.
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Contentment vs. Ambition
- The widow represents simple, humble living, while Chanticleer represents pride and self-importance.
- This contrast teaches the lesson that pride can lead to downfall.
-
Flattery and Deception
- Chanticleer is easily influenced by admiration, making him blind to danger.
- The story warns against trusting sweet words without thinking critically.
-
Wisdom and Foolishness
- Lady Pertelote is wise and reasonable, while Chanticleer is arrogant and reckless.
- The lesson: Pride without wisdom leads to trouble.
Language and Style
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Imagery:
- "His comb was redder than fine coral" → Vivid description of Chanticleer’s beauty and pride.
- "Like burnished gold his feathers, flaming bright" → Highlights his dazzling, impressive appearance.
-
Personification:
- Chanticleer and Pertelote act like humans, showing emotions such as love, pride, and influence.
-
Symbolism:
- Chanticleer → Represents pride and vanity.
- The widow → Symbolizes humility and contentment.
- Pertelote → Represents wisdom and reason.
-
Tone:
- The tone is humorous, light-hearted, and moralistic, using satire to critique human nature.
WAEC/NECO Likely Questions on "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale"
SECTION A: Comprehension Questions
- Who is Chanticleer, and how is he described in the poem?
- What does the widow’s simple life symbolize?
- Who is Lady Pertelote, and what is her role in the story?
- Explain the significance of Chanticleer’s beauty and pride.
- What does the phrase "She held the heart of Chanticleer controlled" mean?
SECTION B: Thematic Questions
- Discuss the theme of pride and its consequences in the poem.
- How does the poem contrast contentment (the widow) with vanity (Chanticleer)?
- What lesson does the story teach about the power of flattery and deception?
SECTION C: Literary Devices
- Identify and explain two literary devices used in the poem.
- How does imagery contribute to the reader’s understanding of Chanticleer’s character?
- Discuss the use of symbolism in the poem.
SECTION D: Essay Questions
- How does Chanticleer’s pride influence his fate in the story?
- Compare and contrast Lady Pertelote and the widow.
- What moral lesson can be learned from the story?
These questions are designed to test comprehension, thematic understanding, literary appreciation, and critical thinking skills
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