key term - Absolon

Definition

Absolon is a character from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' specifically featured in 'The Miller's Tale.' He is portrayed as a parish clerk and a suitor to Alison, the beautiful wife of a carpenter named John. His character embodies themes of courtly love and unrequited passion, making him an essential figure in analyzing both the narrative and character dynamics in this tale.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolon is characterized by his obsession with physical appearance and romantic ideals, often reflecting the conventions of courtly love.
2. His attempts to woo Alison are comically unsuccessful, showcasing the theme of unrequited love as he is ultimately rejected in favor of Nicholas.
3. Absolon's role contributes to the humor and satire within 'The Miller's Tale,' highlighting the absurdity of his romantic pursuits.
4. He famously seeks revenge on Nicholas for their trickery by using a hot poker, which leads to a chaotic conclusion.
5. The portrayal of Absolon reveals Chaucer's critique of societal norms around love and relationships during the medieval period.

Review Questions

• How does Absolon's character represent the ideals of courtly love in 'The Miller's Tale'?
  • Absolon embodies the ideals of courtly love through his obsessive affection for Alison and his attempts to win her over with romantic gestures. However, his pursuits are ultimately fruitless, highlighting the gap between idealized love and reality. His character illustrates how these romantic ideals can lead to comedic situations when they clash with human desires and relationships.
• In what ways does Absolon's role enhance the comedic elements of 'The Miller's Tale'?
  • Absolon's presence in 'The Miller's Tale' adds significant comedic value through his exaggerated courtship attempts and eventual humiliation. His desperation to win Alison creates humorous scenarios, especially when he gets duped by Nicholas. The absurdity of his actions, particularly seeking revenge with a hot poker after being tricked, emphasizes the tale’s comedic tone while also critiquing romantic conventions.
• Analyze how Chaucer uses Absolon's character to comment on social norms regarding love and fidelity in medieval society.
  • Chaucer utilizes Absolon to critique social norms surrounding love and fidelity by showcasing the folly inherent in romantic obsession. While Absolon follows the chivalric code of courtly love, his failure reveals the often unrealistic expectations placed on love during medieval times. By portraying Absolon as both comical and tragic in his unrequited desires, Chaucer invites readers to reflect on the absurdity of societal pressures regarding romance and fidelity, revealing deeper truths about human relationships.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility, chivalry, and a focus on the suffering caused by unrequited affection.

The Miller's Tale: One of the stories from 'The Canterbury Tales' that blends humor and satire, depicting the folly of its characters, including Absolon and the cuckolded John.

Cuckold: A man whose wife is unfaithful; in 'The Miller's Tale,' John becomes a cuckold due to the affair between his wife Alison and another character, Nicholas.