Question

The Nun's Priest's Tale is classified as a mock-heroic tale. This means it turns an ordinary event into an extraordinary one by exaggerating the tale.

How does this tale of a rooster mock the traditional tales of heroic deeds? Give at least two specific examples from the text.

Answer 1

The Nun's Priest's Tale mocks traditional tales of heroic deeds by exaggerating an ordinary event, such as a fox chasing a rooster, into a grand adventure. For example, the rooster Chauntecleer is described as having courage and strength that are equal to a knight's, and he even defeats the fox in combat by outsmarting him with his wit. Additionally, the rooster's battle against the fox is compared to great military conquests, such as the Trojan War, making it seem far more important than it actually is.