Discover the humor in Chaucer's 'Miller's Tale' as the hosts explore mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and complex deceptions. Dive into Absalom's quirks and discomfort with physicality, all within the context of medieval literature. Also, learn about new shows on Hulu like 'Poor Things' and 'Shogun'.
Chaucer's 'Miller's Tale' satirizes societal norms and power dynamics through complex relationships.
The story emphasizes the consequences of manipulating others for personal gain.
Deep dives
The Story of Hollywood Exiles and the Campaign against Communism in Hollywood
Hollywood Exiles podcast narrates the tale of Charlie Chaplin and others entangled in the anti-communist crusade in Hollywood. It delves into the glamorous yet scandalous world interwoven with political intrigue, mirroring a battle for the nation's essence.
The Intriguing Narrative of Chaucer's Miller's Tale from the Canterbury Tales
Chaucer's Miller's Tale, part of the Canterbury Tales, unfolds as a group of pilgrims share stories during a journey from Southwark to Canterbury. It intricately plays with storytellers' personas and details, epitomizing the fluidity between characters and narratives.
Humor, Satire, and Social Commentary in the Provocative Plot of Chaucer's Miller's Tale
Chaucer's Miller's Tale showcases wit and satire through a complex web of relationships and deceptions. It satirizes societal norms, power dynamics, and education privilege, emphasizing the consequences of manipulating others for personal gain.
Were the Middle Ages funny? In this bonus Close Readings series running throughout this year, Irina Dumitrescu and Mary Wellesley begin their quest for the medieval sense of humour with Chaucer’s 'Miller’s Tale', a story that is surely still (almost) as funny as when it was written six hundred years ago. But who is the real butt of the joke? Mary and Irina look in detail at the mechanics of the plot and its needless but pleasurable complexity, and consider the social significance of clothes and pubic hair in the tale.
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