This is a great post, and I think you raise some great questions and points of interest.
First, the layers of narrative. I think it is so cool the way typically in stories we peel back the proverbial “layers” to explore what’s “hidden” or “deeper” within. However, there’s more of a constant refocusing of the lens with Chaucer; the reader is switched back and forth between how far in or how far out of the “narrative” we are. There is something disorienting about it, sure; but there is also something so intriguing and fun about it.
Specifically about the last few lines of the Miller’s Prologue, I think something about the disclaimer probably adds to the ways in which Chaucer, our narrator, etc. pique our readerly interest. We as a collective are always drawn in some way to what is taboo or set aside in the “don’t touch” pile.
I love the lens analogy! That imagery “clicks” with me and makes more sense as to why at some moments when I’m reading, everything feels more in focus and at other times, more blurry.
I partly wonder if the disclaimer is meant to generate even more interest; after all, a Rated R rating usually leaves kids more curious about the explicit content than if it were left unrated at all because they are looking for the adrenaline rush fueled by illicit material. Also it can be read as a legitimate disclaimer for sensitive readers. It also draws attention to the functionality of the tale.
What a joy that you recently had such a moment with your students! And how appropriate for Chaucer, too. Your discussion of the layers of blame and how they interact with the frame is interesting, and (riffing a bit from class discussions here as well) those layers add a certain human element to the narrative that makes these tales, blame and blamelessness and all, somehow compelling. They are humorous, but they are also thought-provoking. Thank you for your insights, and looking forward to seeing your Substack this semester!
I really appreciate the update about your students, and how perfectly timed that we had just covered The Book of The Duchess in time for you all to review Ovid’s Metamorphosis. Chaucer uses this constant cycle of shifting blame to create immense ironic effect and play with the fictionality of his text. Chaucer’s use of blame throughout the tales thus far is especially interesting considering Christian dedication to truth, and what implications this has for our “religious official” pilgrims particularly.
I love reading these updates about your class, and I completely agree with you that your student’s frustration and questioning is a great path to growth! The “blameth noght me” absolutely is an interesting narrative choice in The Miller’s Tale. In addition to lending humor to the voice, I think it serves as a type of early warning for Chaucer’s more sensitive readers. At the very least, it sets expectations for the content of the story early on. I also wonder if the narrator’s “blameth noght me” was an attempt to redefine the social order of the characters after the Miller’s drunken interruption.
The narrator’s lengthy explanation of how he must tell the tale how it was originally told, imploring the audience to not think differently of him for doing so, is seen to me as a better way to draw attention to the tale itself. He sets an expectation of what kind of story will be told by making such excuses to the point where the audience can expect nothing less than a lewd and entertaining story. To me he does an excellent job in meeting those expectations by the end of The Miller’s Tale.
Stefanie, I really enjoy your style! I think I thought about the lengthy apology in a new way after reading this. You wrote how the Miller is looking for a get out of jail free card. He places all the responsibility on the audience. He expects the listeners to take full responsibility for their actions, but the most responsibility he will take for his own actions is in whose lap he chooses to place his own responsibility. Interesting dynamic.
Also, just for the sake of thought…what are the ramifications of allowing “apology” to take on the meaning of “defense” here? The drunkenness and the unintelligence are no longer the Miller’s excuse but his defense. In that sense, perhaps he does take on full responsibility under the guise of not doing so?
It's funny how all literature shares commonalities that surface and resurface no matter who the author is. You are in a fantastic position, shaping minds at young ages. I envy you. One day with God's help, I will be where you are now. But until then, let's talk about Chaucer. As a narrator Chaucer seems to always place himself in his narratives, whether it's disclaiming or merely pushing the narrative forward. He even uses his voice to transition from exposition to each of his character's dialogue, as he draws us in, line by line on what each character is thinking and actions using humor and wit. I guess you can say, "blame it on the ale."
What a post! I feel that his warning is almost a hook, in which readers gain even more interest for what follows. As you said, it also creates a playful tone in the relationship between Chaucer and the reader. To me, it almost feels as though he is not only using it as a tool to elicit these reactions but to actually condone his writing to the possibility of not being up to societal standards, as it is being told by a drunken miller.
This is a great post, and I think you raise some great questions and points of interest.
First, the layers of narrative. I think it is so cool the way typically in stories we peel back the proverbial “layers” to explore what’s “hidden” or “deeper” within. However, there’s more of a constant refocusing of the lens with Chaucer; the reader is switched back and forth between how far in or how far out of the “narrative” we are. There is something disorienting about it, sure; but there is also something so intriguing and fun about it.
Specifically about the last few lines of the Miller’s Prologue, I think something about the disclaimer probably adds to the ways in which Chaucer, our narrator, etc. pique our readerly interest. We as a collective are always drawn in some way to what is taboo or set aside in the “don’t touch” pile.
Thank you for this post!
I love the lens analogy! That imagery “clicks” with me and makes more sense as to why at some moments when I’m reading, everything feels more in focus and at other times, more blurry.
I partly wonder if the disclaimer is meant to generate even more interest; after all, a Rated R rating usually leaves kids more curious about the explicit content than if it were left unrated at all because they are looking for the adrenaline rush fueled by illicit material. Also it can be read as a legitimate disclaimer for sensitive readers. It also draws attention to the functionality of the tale.
What a joy that you recently had such a moment with your students! And how appropriate for Chaucer, too. Your discussion of the layers of blame and how they interact with the frame is interesting, and (riffing a bit from class discussions here as well) those layers add a certain human element to the narrative that makes these tales, blame and blamelessness and all, somehow compelling. They are humorous, but they are also thought-provoking. Thank you for your insights, and looking forward to seeing your Substack this semester!
I really appreciate the update about your students, and how perfectly timed that we had just covered The Book of The Duchess in time for you all to review Ovid’s Metamorphosis. Chaucer uses this constant cycle of shifting blame to create immense ironic effect and play with the fictionality of his text. Chaucer’s use of blame throughout the tales thus far is especially interesting considering Christian dedication to truth, and what implications this has for our “religious official” pilgrims particularly.
I love reading these updates about your class, and I completely agree with you that your student’s frustration and questioning is a great path to growth! The “blameth noght me” absolutely is an interesting narrative choice in The Miller’s Tale. In addition to lending humor to the voice, I think it serves as a type of early warning for Chaucer’s more sensitive readers. At the very least, it sets expectations for the content of the story early on. I also wonder if the narrator’s “blameth noght me” was an attempt to redefine the social order of the characters after the Miller’s drunken interruption.
The narrator’s lengthy explanation of how he must tell the tale how it was originally told, imploring the audience to not think differently of him for doing so, is seen to me as a better way to draw attention to the tale itself. He sets an expectation of what kind of story will be told by making such excuses to the point where the audience can expect nothing less than a lewd and entertaining story. To me he does an excellent job in meeting those expectations by the end of The Miller’s Tale.
Stefanie, I really enjoy your style! I think I thought about the lengthy apology in a new way after reading this. You wrote how the Miller is looking for a get out of jail free card. He places all the responsibility on the audience. He expects the listeners to take full responsibility for their actions, but the most responsibility he will take for his own actions is in whose lap he chooses to place his own responsibility. Interesting dynamic.
Also, just for the sake of thought…what are the ramifications of allowing “apology” to take on the meaning of “defense” here? The drunkenness and the unintelligence are no longer the Miller’s excuse but his defense. In that sense, perhaps he does take on full responsibility under the guise of not doing so?
It's funny how all literature shares commonalities that surface and resurface no matter who the author is. You are in a fantastic position, shaping minds at young ages. I envy you. One day with God's help, I will be where you are now. But until then, let's talk about Chaucer. As a narrator Chaucer seems to always place himself in his narratives, whether it's disclaiming or merely pushing the narrative forward. He even uses his voice to transition from exposition to each of his character's dialogue, as he draws us in, line by line on what each character is thinking and actions using humor and wit. I guess you can say, "blame it on the ale."
What a post! I feel that his warning is almost a hook, in which readers gain even more interest for what follows. As you said, it also creates a playful tone in the relationship between Chaucer and the reader. To me, it almost feels as though he is not only using it as a tool to elicit these reactions but to actually condone his writing to the possibility of not being up to societal standards, as it is being told by a drunken miller.