homily
a sermon on a religious topic
enconium
a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
situational irony
when a situation is the exact opposite of what was intended or expected
proleptic irony
earlier events or dialogue foreshadows later developments, creating irony only recognised in hindsight
epigram
a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way
verbal irony
a figure of speech in which a speaker or writer says one thing but means the opposite
exemplum
an example or model, especially a story told to illustrate a moral point
How is a homily used in the Merchant’s Tale
to establish heavy irony, satirise hypocritical piety, and contrast high religious ideals with the low and lustful reality
piety
the quality of being religious or reverent
how is enconium used in the tale?
The speech reflects the internal mental state of Januarie, who views marriage not as a spiritual union but as a transactional ‘mercantile’ arranged to satisfy his lust
How is exemplum used in the tale?
It is employed ironically and subversively to analyse marriage, lust and betrayal. For example, the biblical women January cites are examples of righteous wives. However, in the context of his sexual desire for a young body, these examples serve only to highlight his delusions and misogyny
