Canterbury Tales: Summaries and Analysis
The Pardoner’s Tale
Summary: Three drunk players seek revenge for their friend’s death. An old man directs them to a tree where they find treasure. One goes for supplies, and the other two plot to kill him for the gold. They succeed, but then die from poisoned wine intended for the third.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale
Summary: A knight, sentenced to death for rape, is given a chance to live if he discovers what women desire most. An old woman provides the answer, demanding marriage in return. Initially disgusted, the knight marries her, and she transforms into a beautiful, young woman. They live happily ever after.
The Cook’s Tale
Summary: Perkyn, an apprentice, enjoys partying, money, and women. He steals from his employer’s shop and is fired. He then lives with a friend and his prostitute wife. This tale is incomplete.
The Knight’s Tale
Summary: Two knights, Palamon and Arcite, imprisoned by King Theseus, fall in love with Emily. They duel for her love. Palamon seeks Venus’s help, while Arcite asks for Mars’s victory. Arcite dies, and Palamon wins Emily’s hand.
The Miller’s Tale
Summary: A carpenter, John, is married to young Allison. Nicholas, a student, and Allison fall in love. Nicholas convinces John of an impending flood. Absalom, a sacristan, also loves Allison. He tries to kiss her, but she tricks him. He returns with a hot iron and burns Nicholas, who screams, waking John and causing chaos.
The Friar’s Tale
Summary: A man punishes criminals with indulgences. A sheriff, collecting tithes, meets a ranger who is the devil. The devil advises him and also collects tithes. The sheriff tries to collect from an old woman who curses him. The devil claims the sheriff for hell that night.