ICON: Miller
Chaucer has created a world not far different from that which parallels reality. His characters are all chosen with a precision that is almost mystical. One major question at hand is that of without the character known to the reader as the Miller would this story have less value. A simple answer would be "yes" that the miller could be omitted and the story would be unchanged, however as any character exemplifies, there is a satirical reason for his placement into the tale. Whether the reason is to show the fascination that people have with corrupt mannerisms or possibly to show that pride of a nationalistic figure.The Miller is a symbol, a symbol of oppression. From the text the following can be concluded:3) He does whatever is necessary to succeedThe first of these conclusions is drawn ba
" In the given case the dishonest miller has the golden thumb. There were several reasons separate from religious journey for the Miller to leave Scotland, in 1363 there was a rebellion against king David II, the Miller may have been a political refugee, or later in the century Scotland was attacked by John of Gaunt, so he may have fled to escape war. "Wel koude he stelen corn and tollen thries; and yet he hadde a thombe of gold, pardee. The latter portion of the quote is an ironic spin of an old saying, "An honest miller has a golden thumb. The clothing he is wearing is a representation of Scotland; this is drawn to by the correspondence to the Scottish flag, sporting both the blue and white found in his cloak. 566) so perhaps the Miller represents freedom, or all the possibilities listed herein. The Miller is an icon in anyway he is interpreted and the story could not be told with the same effect without him in it. This could explain his reason for fighting for food, " At wrastlynge he wolde have alwey the ram" (LN. "And therwithal he broghte us out of towne" (LN. Chaucer has made an outcast into a profitable businessman. 552) and also his instrument, "A baggepipe wel koude he blowe and sowne" (LN. In conjunction with the coloring of his clothes his hair color also indicates a Scotsman, the "His berd a any sowe or fox was reed" (LN. The Miller is not an honest man; this can be seen in his business practices. 565) The significance of his Scottish heritage to the story is to show that he is an outsider, that he is out of his element and challenged in many forms.
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Acceptance Essays
