What is the portrait of the Miller in the General Prologue characterized by?
- Dishonesty
- Delight in telling dirty stories
- Plays the bagpipes
- Physiological traits (red hair, big mouth)
The Miller is depicted with various traits that reflect his character and profession.
In the General Prologue, the Miller is described as a janglere and a goliardeys. What does this imply?
Delight in telling dirty stories
These terms suggest a character who enjoys scandalous tales and revelry.
What are the four contraries that the world is built out of?
- Hot
- Cold
- Moist
- Dry
These contraries combine to form the elements in the macrocosm.
What elements correspond to the combinations of the four contraries?
- Hot and dry → Fire
- Cold and dry → Earth
- Hot and moist → Air
- Cold and moist → Water
These elements are foundational in medieval physiology.
What are the humours formed within the human body?
- Yellow bile (fire)
- Black bile (earth)
- Blood (air)
- Phlegm (water)
The balance of these humours was believed to affect health and temperament.
The balance of humours is important because it determines what?
A person’s complexion
The predominating humour influences both physical appearance and character traits.
What complexion is associated with phlegm?
- White, pale
- Excessive sleeper
- Slow
- Dull in learning
- Cowardly
- Not very interested in sex
This complexion reflects a specific set of personality traits.
What complexion is associated with blood?
- Red-cheeked
- Plump
- Merry, sociable, and generous
- Easily angered but easily calmed
- Hopeful
- Good sleeper
- Sexually very active
This complexion is characterized by a lively and sociable nature.
What complexion is associated with yellow bile?
- Tall and lean
- Good memory
- Ambitious
- Very nervous
- Easily angered and vindictive
- Extremely lecherous
This complexion is linked to a more aggressive and driven personality.
What complexion is associated with black bile?
- Lean, thin but big eater
- Bad sleeper
- Opinionated
- Anxious or worried
- Long angered
- Fearful dreams
- Sentimental
- Bookish
This complexion often reflects a more introspective and melancholic disposition.
In the Miller’s Tale, what is Alison’s complexion described as?
Sanguine
Alison is depicted as merry and sexually active, reflecting her sanguine nature.
In the Miller’s Tale, what is Nicholas’s complexion described as?
Melancholic
Nicholas is characterized as a scholar, reflecting his introspective and bookish nature.
In the Miller’s Tale, what is Absolon’s complexion described as?
Choleric
Absolon is depicted as extremely lecherous and easily angered.
In the Miller’s Tale, what is John’s complexion described as?
Phlegmatic
John is characterized as dull in learning and an excessive sleeper.
Chaucer uses animal imagery for three reasons. What are they?
- Degrading effect on characters
- Association with certain behavioral aspects
- Lends authority to the story
Animal imagery enhances character portrayal and narrative depth.
According to Alanus ab Insulis, what does every created thing in the world represent?
A book and a picture to us
This reflects the belief that nature has a deeper meaning and significance.
What are the three types of medieval biology books mentioned?
- Physiologus
- Herbals (plants)
- Bestiaries (animals)
These texts often included illustrations and moral interpretations.
How is Alison described in terms of animal imagery?
As any weasel, gentle and small
This comparison highlights her cunning and subtle nature.
How is Absolon compared to animals in the Miller’s Tale?
- Like an ape
- Like a cat
These comparisons emphasize his lecherous and predatory traits.
How is John compared to a cat in the Miller’s Tale?
He found a hole, low upon a board
This imagery suggests stealth and cunning.
How is Alison likened to a swallow?
As any swallow sitting on a barn
This comparison may reflect her grace and agility.
How is Absolon likened to a goose?
His rode was reed, his eyen greye as goos
This imagery adds to his characterization in the tale.
