The Miller's Tale Comprehension Questions

Prologue to the Miller’s tale
1. Who was Pilate, and what would his voice sound like?
2. On whom does the Host originally call to tell the next tale?
3. Why does the Miller end up telling his tale next?
4. What does the Miller imply about the Reeve (Oswald)?
5. To what two types of secrets should no husband try to find answers?
6. What does the narrator remind the reader of before reporting the Miller’s story?

The Miller’s Tale
1. Where is the story set?
2. Who is Nicholas? What is his favorite subject?
3. Summarize Nicholas’ character.
4. How has the old carpenter broken Cato’s advice about marriage?
5. List the metaphors and similes that are used to describe the young wife.
6. Summarize the young wife’s appearance and character as suggested by her description.
7. How does Alison initially respond to Nicholas's advances? How does she respond after he tries some "smooth-talking"? In the end, what does the young wife agree to? On what condition?
8. Who is Absalom? Describe him. What is his hair like? His voice?
9. What 2 things can Absalom not stand?
10. With whom is Absalom most in love?
11. Who is Alison? How old is she?
12. What animals and plants is Alison compared to?
13. Who is John?
14. Describe Absalom’s lovesickness and its effect on him.
15. List Absalom’s methods for wooing.
16. Describe the Miller’s views on how women are won (195-6).
17. After Absalom falls in lust with Alison, where does he go with his guitar? What does he do with that guitar? (Be more specific than "play music".)
18. Why doesn’t Absalom stand a chance?
19. Describe Nicholas’ actions on Saturday and Sunday as he puts his plan into action. What does the servant boy see when he looks into Nicholas’ room?
20. To what does John attribute Nicholas’ state?
21. What actions does John take to “save” Nicholas?
22. What secret does Nicholas confide to John? What punishment will John face if he tells anyone?
23. Who “harrowed hell?”
24. What advice does Nicholas give to John in order to save the three of them?
25. What is Nicholas suggesting by mentioning Noah’s wife?
26. Why must there be no speaking or contact between them on the night of the “flood?”
27. What motivates John to prepare so carefully and quickly?
28. How did John sleep on that Monday night, and why?
29. What do Nicholas and Alison do once the carpenter is asleep?
30. When Absalom thinks that John is out of town, what does he plan to do?
31. What is a “sign of kissing?” What sort of “banquet” do you think he has in mind?
32. Describe Absalom’s preparations for visiting John’s house.
33. How does Alison react to Absalom’s confession of love?
34. Explain what Absalom and Alison agree to, and how she “pays” him.
35. What effect does Alison’s joke have on Absalom? What action does he take?
36. What happens after Nicholas opens the window?
37. How do Nicholas and Alison explain the unusual events to the neighbors?
38. Relate the description of the Miller in the General Prologue to the tale he tells. How is the tale just what you might expect of the Miller? How is it surprising?
39. What is the theme of “The Miller’s Tale,” and how is this meaning shaded by your knowledge of the Miller’s character?