There are some elements of Absolon’s character that fit the ideals of courtly love, although he is still an object of satire, such as his appearance but there are also other aspects of his character in this section that clearly don’t conform to those of a courtly lover.
In the section, we find out that Absolon takes an interest in women, however his interaction with them doesn’t match that of a courtly lover, again highlighting Chaucer’s important use of satire in this section and throughout the tale. When we learn that “In al the toun nas bewhous ne taverne that he ne visited with his solas, there any gailard tappester was” we can establish that this wouldn’t be typical behaviour of a courtly lover. The ideal courtly lover would woo their lady by charm and by worshiping her; they would appreciate that she is a lofty creature, worthy to be served.
This is further demonstrated when we are told that Absolon abuses what authority he has within the church. When we read that “to look on hire him thoughte a mirie lyf” it could be suggested that Absolon isn’t prepared to go any further than simply gaze at her. In a way, this could be true of a courtly lover as Absolon could be said to be showing respect to the lady. However, this could also be for another reason; that he is squeamish towards bodily functions; again, the satirised courtly lover as a true courtly lover wouldn’t have been that feminine.
Conversely, in the next two lines we read that “if she hadde been a mous, and he a cat, he wolde hire hente anon.” Whilst this shows some reference to gratifying Absolon’s sexual desires, Chaucer lacks to write in the same detail as he does when he writes about Nicholas satisfying his sexual desires. When Nicholas is wooing Alisoun, his language is far more vivid and descript, this is clear when he “caughte hire by the queynte.” This contrast is important in the section because it again demonstrates that Absolon is hopeless. Although it is hard for Nicholas to be described as a courtly lover, he is getting far more female attention than Absolon, who could be described as conforming to the rules of courtly love more closely than Nicholas. This again, could be suggested that Chaucer is using satire in this rather subtle point, and possibly foregrounding the unrealistic nature of courtly love.
A few lines later Chaucer reveals that Absolon “took noon offringe” from Alisoun because “For curteisie, he seide, he wolde noon.” This translates to Absolon not taking offerings from Alisoun because good manners forbade it. Here, Chaucer uses good manners as an excuse for Alisoun not paying the church and the only reason she doesn’t pay is because of how Absolon feels about her. It could be said that Chaucer simply writes about good manners and courtesy to protect himself, as it could have a deeper meaning. It could be suggested that Chaucer is making a point about the church, and even using it as an object of satire through Absolon. It could be said that the idea of courtly love and wooing a woman is placed before the church, as in this case, courtly love and wooing has defeated and come before the church. Therefore, it could be said that he is showing a certain weakness in the church and religion, and that courtly love or the power of woman triumphs over the church.
As highlighted previously, Chaucer possibly puts this in a very subtle way to protect his own identity in real society. It could then be suggested that this mirrors that of the context of the tale. On the pilgrimage, society as a whole would have been represented. There would have been religious figures such as the priest and the nun, and less religious figures such as the Miller and the Shipman. By making his point subtle, it would ensure there would be no objections at the end of the tale. Ultimately this is what happens, the pilgrims show the opposite to objections and in fact all laugh. This cuts across social boundaries and brings the pilgimrs together as one community.
Therefore, in this sense the section describing Absolon is highly important, and even central to the Miller’s prologue and tale. Chaucer uses it as a springboard to explore many wider issues that avail in society, such as the satire of the courtly lover and the possibly criticism of the church.
