Idealism v. Realism Chaucer Introduction & Thesis Upon many levels, the Miller’s tale is a response to the Knight’s tale. This response allows Chaucer the ability to contrast two different ways of looking at the world: ideally and realistically. Both tales are shrouded in irony and humor but the underlying differences can still be seen when contrasting three fundamental properties of society: love, status, and destiny. This paper shall address these contrasts individually as …showed first 75 words of 1516 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1516 total…perceptions of love, social hierarchy, destiny, and personal character are ridiculed by the Miller’s Tale. The Miller is able to renounce the ideal world that the Knight puts forward. The Miller is one who lives by real virtues (his physical strength, the apparent workings of the world) and would be inclined to have problems with the Knight’s tale filled with what he would consider superfluous aspects of life- namely, chivalry and courtly love.