The kiss

Definition

In the context of 'The Miller's Tale,' the kiss represents a significant moment of deceit and desire, illustrating the intertwining of love and lust. This act is central to the plot as it leads to misunderstandings and humorous complications among the characters, highlighting themes of infidelity and the folly of human relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The kiss occurs between Alisoun and Nicolas, symbolizing their secret affair and the deception they orchestrate against John.
2. This moment is pivotal as it triggers a series of humorous misunderstandings, showcasing Chaucer's use of comic elements to explore serious themes.
3. The kiss is a representation of physical desire, contrasting with the emotional fidelity that John believes he has with Alisoun.
4. Chaucer employs this moment to comment on the nature of love and relationships, questioning societal norms surrounding marriage and fidelity.
5. Ultimately, the kiss contributes to the tale’s climax and resolution, emphasizing the chaos that ensues from lustful desires.

Review Questions

• How does the kiss between Alisoun and Nicolas reflect their characters and motivations in 'The Miller's Tale'?
  • The kiss between Alisoun and Nicolas highlights their cunning and desire, showcasing Alisoun's manipulative nature as she seeks excitement outside her marriage with John. Nicolas, on the other hand, embodies the role of the seducer, eager to exploit John's trust. This act not only defines their relationship but also serves as a catalyst for the comedic events that unfold, revealing Chaucer's commentary on human folly.
• Discuss the role of deception in 'The Miller's Tale,' particularly how the kiss plays into this theme.
  • Deception is central to 'The Miller's Tale,' with the kiss acting as a critical element that drives the plot forward. It represents not just a physical act of intimacy but also the layers of betrayal between characters. Alisoun deceives John through her affair with Nicolas, which is highlighted by their kiss, creating a web of lies that leads to humorous yet chaotic consequences. Chaucer uses this theme to critique societal norms regarding marriage and fidelity.
• Evaluate how Chaucer uses the kiss in 'The Miller's Tale' to comment on societal views of love and fidelity.
  • Chaucer employs the kiss as a powerful symbol to critique societal views on love and fidelity within 'The Miller's Tale.' By portraying Alisoun's infidelity through her secret kiss with Nicolas, he questions traditional notions of loyalty in marriage. The ensuing chaos illustrates how physical desire can complicate relationships and lead to humorous outcomes, ultimately challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of love, trust, and human relationships in a broader social context.

Related terms

Alisoun:

The clever and seductive wife of John in 'The Miller's Tale,' who uses her beauty and wit to manipulate the men around her.

Nicolas: A young scholar and boarder in John’s house who schemes to pursue Alisoun, leading to the chaotic events that unfold.

John:

Alisoun's gullible husband, whose trust in his wife sets off a chain of comedic deception throughout the tale.