The Shipman's Tale
Jeff Lynn
Do you agree with my take on the moral of the story, or do you feel the Shipman's tale was just for entertainment?
The Shipman
The Tale
The story truly begins when the Shipman told of how the Merchant had to leave for Flanders for business. Since he would be gone for several days, he decided to invite the Monk over to enjoy each other's company. The Monk began to talk to the Merchant's wife while the Merchant was doing inventory in his office. The wife confessed her hatred for her husband due to how mean and uncaring he was, and her love for the Monk. At the same time, the Monk told the wife how he also doesn't care for the husband, and loves her too. The wife ends the conversation asking for 100 francs (currency), and the Monk agreed to get it to her.
As the night went on, the Monk asked the merchant for 100 francs, and he gladly gave it to him without knowing the Monk would use the money to give to his own wife to receive pleasure. The story continues with the Merchant going to Flanders leaving the wife and the Monk alone. The Monk gives the husband's 100 francs to the wife, and does his business with her. The husband never found out his wife and best friend had slept together, or the fact he funded it.
The Moral
The tale and the Shipman
Research
Vocabulary words
Retinue: group of advisors
Abbey: buildings occupied by monks or nuns
Franc: french currency
Breviary: religious catholic book containing prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings