In Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, "The Prioress’ Tale" is classified as “Miracle of the Virgin” which is used for a tale in which the Virgin Mary often plays a large role. The role of the Virgin Mary in the story involves a child who has learned a new song. The main words of the song are, O Alma Redemptoris which translates to “O Great Redeemer” which of course is referring to the Virgin Mary. The Jews in the story, who were known as the more inhumane people of the time period, are responsible for slitting the boy’s throat and leaving him to die. The Virgin Mary comes to the boy in his time of need and places a grain on the boy’s tongue and says, “When from thy tongue this grain of seed is taken. And have no fear; thou shalt not be forsaken.” (Chaucer 176) When the mother of the child finds him, the grain on his tongue allows him to keep singing his song, and this eventually leads to the discovery of who was involved with the crime.
There is no use of humor incorporated in this story because it is about an innocent boy who is murdered, but there is a use of mockery towards people of the Jewish as they are the central focus of scorn in this story. This mockery is represented when the story states, “First of our foes, the serpent Satan shook those Jewish hearts that are his waspish nest”. (Chaucer 172) It is clear, here, that there is a use o mockery towards people of the jewish religion because the tale claims that they are associated with the devil.
The religious aspects and the anti-Semitism of "The Prioress' Tale" really do suit its teller. Since the Prioress is a nun, it would make sense that her story would incorporate religion. As for slander of Jews, negative attitudes towards was reflective towards the time period so it would make sense that her story involved this as well.
There is no use of humor incorporated in this story because it is about an innocent boy who is murdered, but there is a use of mockery towards people of the Jewish as they are the central focus of scorn in this story. This mockery is represented when the story states, “First of our foes, the serpent Satan shook those Jewish hearts that are his waspish nest”. (Chaucer 172) It is clear, here, that there is a use o mockery towards people of the jewish religion because the tale claims that they are associated with the devil.
The religious aspects and the anti-Semitism of "The Prioress' Tale" really do suit its teller. Since the Prioress is a nun, it would make sense that her story would incorporate religion. As for slander of Jews, negative attitudes towards was reflective towards the time period so it would make sense that her story involved this as well.