MID - Middle Ages - The Allegory Lesson

An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Often, people view an allegory as an extended metaphor. Several popular modern-day allegories exist. For example, many people believe that The Chronicles of Narnia is an allegory of Christ's crucifixion and The Lord of the Rings is an allegory of Christianity. In order to understand allegory, readers need to look at the deeper meanings and see the underlying comparisons. In The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan represents Christ, and the children represent humanity. Allegories can appear in poetry or prose form. Take a look at common the characteristics of allegory below.

Characteristics of an Allegory

• Allegories typically reveal the political or moral stance
  of the writer
• Allegories have a deeper meaning and represent an
  underlying message
  
• Allegories have characters with opposing viewpoints in
  order to reveal the underlying message
  
• Allegories often contain personification, such as animals
  representing humans, in order to create the surface
  story that masks the underlying meaning and symbolism
  to represent underlying ideas

The Canterbury Tales

During the Middle Ages, allegories were very popular and taught Biblical stories and morality. One of the most popular Middle Age allegory is The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, and Chaucer wrote the allegory in Middle English. Middle English remains quite different from the English spoken today.

Listen to part of The Canterbury Tales in Middle English in order to hear the differences between the two types of English. Links to an external site.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer stands alone as the most significant literary work in English prior to Shakespeare's plays. Though many excellent poets wrote before Chaucer, he is known as "The Father of English Poetry."

Background: Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales

"The Wife of Bath's Tale"

The Wife of Bath speaks assertively about her mastery of men. This notion resurfaces in the story she provides to the pilgrims.        

"The Wife of Bath's Tale" is an Arthurian romance incorporating the widespread theme of the "loathly lady." The "loathly lady" is the story of a woman magically transformed into an ugly shape who can only be restored to her former state only by some specific action -- the feminine version of "The Frog Prince" in fairy tales.

This tale never names the Knight or the Queen. Chaucer does not choose to identify these two characters. However, the "Loathly Lady" tale is typical of the Sir Gawain tradition, so it is plausible that Chaucer means for the Knight to be comparable to Gawain, if not Gawain himself. 

When reading "Wife of Bath's Tale", note how Chaucer makes her relatable and different from the typical woman during this time period.  Click here to read "The Wife of Bath's Tale." Links to an external site.  

The Pardoner's Tale

A pardoner worked for the church, and his job was to collect money in exchange for "pardoning" someone from his or her sins. Recall that during this time period, the church was undergoing scrutiny regarding corruption and greed.

The Pardoner provides the audience with an exemplum, or a moral anecdote, by explaining how he cons people.

When reading "The Pardoner's Tale", notice the irony of how the Pardoner preaches against greed, but he admits to extorting the poor. Also, note how Chaucer uses the tale to bring up a serious issue occurring in the Middle Ages.

Read "The Pardoner's Tale." Links to an external site.

The Nun's Priest's Tale

Chaucer uses the elements of a fable in "The Nun's Priest's Tale." The tale employs talking animals to provide a story and moral for the audience. When reading this tale, notice the themes and lessons provided.

Read "the Nun's Priest's Tale." Links to an external site.

The Canterbury Tales Review Interactivity

Now that you have read the three tales from The Canterbury Tales, practice your understanding of the tales in the interactivity below.