Prologue and Tale disturbs

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The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale disturbs more than it amuses. How far do you agree?

Literary critics are have conflicting theories concerning whether the Merchant’s Prologue and Tale is filled with bitterness and disgust for the human race, as represented by Januarie, May and Damyan, or is a humorous characterisation of the fabliaux genre.  

Without the prologue, the tale could in itself be seen as amusing and seems to “impregnate the mordant venom” (Bronson) of the prologue.  The merchant is characterised as an intensely embittered bridegroom, telling an intensely bitter story. The juxtaposition of the “faire fresshe” May with the “olde” and unmistakably ugly Januarie disgusts many a reader. Interestingly it notable that the ugly casts a shadow over the beautiful or the seemingly beautiful reveals itself to be just as ugly as that to which it was juxtaposed.

However “the Tale is essentially farcical, enriched by a satirical character study of Januarie, with miniatures of May and Damyan,” (T. W. Craik) this is the stance of some critics regarding Chaucer’s presentation of Januarie. They argue that Chaucer dwells on him and therefore exhibits his character by dramatic means as oppose to a brief summary, this constant attention towards Januarie develops the character in full satirical detail, so that his downfall is morally satisfying and at the same time richly comic. Chaucer articulately integrates the coarse satire of the fabliaux, much enjoyed by Chaucer’s “gentil” audience, which was often crammed with extended jokes or tricks, often bawdy and full of sexual connotations, but it also employs a remarkable range of narrative methods. The effect of this is to widen its satirical attack and give a serious resonance to the entertainment.

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From the opening of the tale; Chaucer subtly blends the numerous ironies, disparities and unrealistic reasoning to depict Januarie’s sense of self-delusion but the greater amusement lies in the fact that he remains oblivious to the numerous hints, suggesting that he is blind even before he looses his sight.  By allowing Januaire to speak for himself, Chaucer is almost allowing him to ridicule himself; through his we are lead to believe that he is in fact a figure of fun. Januarie puts forth numerous arguments, to justify his motives of marriage, which equate to “that in this world no ...

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