English

http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/poetry/millerstale.htm

• The Miller’s tale is a response to the Knight’s tale
• Chaucer is able to make a contrast between two different ways of looking at the world – realistically and idealistically
• The knight is described in the prologue as truly perfect, gentle and meek.
• the knight seems to be an idealist
• The Miller’s answer for the Knight’s tale of romantic/courtly love is a fabliau totally removed from love.
• The Knights Tale is ridiculed by the Millers tale.


Realism and Idealism exists on many different levels in ‘The Miller’s Tale’, we can compare realism and idealism between the different characters in the novel. Comparisons can also be made between the different Tales, the Knights tale and the Miller’s tale. Chaucer also relates the world of the Miller to the real world that we now live in. Comparisons and contrasts are drawn from various different angles and points of view.
The realists and idealists are defined by their beliefs, ideas and also the way they speak. The Miller is a realist; he presents us with the everyday world, displaying his strength and physical attributes. (QUOTES) Chaucer does this to portray the Miller as a down-to-earth and realistic character not only mentally but also physically.