Not The Tipical Nun

In Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, the Prioress is describe in the General Prologue as being a foolishly sentimental woman who would weep over the death of a small dog. She speaks French, has good table manners, and sings the divine services well. She wears fine clothing, and jewelry; including, a gold medal with "Love Conquers All" in Latin inscribed on it. (p.3-4) "The Prioress' Tale" proves that this nun is certainly not the ideal …

…apprehensions, and to make a statement about the clergy of his time. His portrayal of the Prioress as a woman of many contradictions is the reason for her presence as a pilgrim in the Canterbury Tales. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** Chaucer, Geoffrey. "General Prologue" The Canterbury Tales. R.M. Lumiansky (translator). New York: Washington Square Press. 1971. Pages 121-127. Chaucer, Geoffrey. "The Prioress' Tale" The Canterbury Tales. R.M. Lumiansky (translator). New York: Washington Square Press. 1971. Pages 121-127.