Absolon

Definition

Absolon is a character from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Miller's Tale', known for his role as a vain and somewhat foolish parish clerk who pursues the beautiful Alisoun. His actions highlight themes of love, jealousy, and social class within the narrative, showcasing Chaucer's use of humor and social satire to comment on human nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolon is depicted as overly concerned with his appearance and charm, which leads to his comic misadventures in the story.
2. His attempts to woo Alisoun are met with ridicule, as he fails to recognize her true affections lie elsewhere.
3. Absolon's actions serve as a foil to Nicholas, who is more cunning and successful in his pursuit of Alisoun.
4. The character's humorous qualities illustrate the theme of unrequited love and the folly of vanity within social interactions.
5. Absolon's iconic moment involves a comical encounter with a fart, highlighting Chaucer's use of bawdy humor and physical comedy to engage the audience.

Review Questions

• How does Absolon's character contribute to the themes of love and social class in 'The Miller's Tale'?
  • Absolon's character embodies the foolishness often associated with unrequited love, as his obsession with Alisoun leads him to act vainly and comically. His efforts to win her affection contrast sharply with Nicholas's more cunning approach, illustrating how different social classes navigate love and desire. Through Absolon, Chaucer critiques the superficiality of social status and highlights the absurdities of romantic pursuit.
• Discuss the role of humor in portraying Absolon's character and his relationships in 'The Miller's Tale'.
  • Humor plays a vital role in shaping Absolon's character as it underscores his vanity and foolishness. His comical attempts at wooing Alisoun lead to embarrassing moments that evoke laughter from the audience. The use of slapstick elements, particularly during his interactions with Nicholas and Alisoun, not only entertains but also emphasizes the satirical commentary on societal norms related to romance and male bravado.
• Evaluate the significance of Absolon in relation to Chaucer's broader critique of society through 'The Miller's Tale'.
  • Absolon's character serves as a lens through which Chaucer critiques societal norms regarding love, class, and masculinity. By presenting Absolon as vain and ultimately ridiculous in his pursuit of Alisoun, Chaucer exposes the follies of social pretensions and romantic obsession. This reflection on human nature is emblematic of Chaucer's ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary, revealing deeper truths about the human experience within medieval society.

Related terms

Alisoun:

The object of Absolon's affections and a key figure in 'The Miller's Tale', she is married to a carpenter but engages in a romantic affair with another character, Nicholas.

Nicholas:

A clever young scholar who also desires Alisoun, Nicholas devises a scheme to win her love while outsmarting Absolon and the carpenter.

Social Satire: A literary technique used by Chaucer to criticize societal norms, behaviors, and the hypocrisy of various social classes through humor and irony.