A Review of The Canterbury Tales: The Manciple's Tale

                                                                  

                                                                    The Prologue: 

The pilgrims continued on the road to Canterbury as they tease each other along the way. The Maniple humorously says that the cook's breath stinks. 

And wel I woot, thy breeth ful soure stinketh...

Despite the cook and manciple going at each other at first, the cook is given wine, and this makes him happy. The host then speaks of his gratefulness to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Shortly thereafter, the manciple tells his story. 

                                                                            The Tale:

Phoebus, a bachelor that was much lusted after, had also recently slayed a great serpent. This is drawn from Ovid's The Metamorphoses. 

Phoebus had a caged bird that he often listened to sing to him. One day, he learned from this animal that that his wife was committing adultery on him. In response, Phoebus cast the bird from his sight. 

And to the crowe, ''O false theef!'' seyde he, 

''I wol thee quyte anon thy false tale!''

The manciple goes on to tell us to be careful of our tongue. He also warns us of how a tongue can destroy relationships. 

                                                                     

                                                                      My Analysis: 

This story was a very short one. I am not sure of the intent that Chaucer had here except that we should be careful with what we say. However, the bird told the truth, so I am not sure if what he said was necessarily wrong as I think that Phoebus needed to know it.