Chaucer and the Humor of the Canterbury Tales :: essays research papers

My presentation is based an word titled The stamp down and the Uninhibited Ironic Structure in the Millers twaddle it s written by Earle Birney. The literary theme that Birney is discussing in his leaven is structural irony. Structural irony is basically a series of humorous events and instances that finally build up to create a climax. The events and the climax the Birney chooses to center his essay on are the events that lead towards the end when almost all(prenominal) character suffers an ironic eventAbsolon kisses Alisouns backsideNicholas gets his backside burntJohn falls from the tub and breaks his armIronic events and play on develops were used to lead to this ironic climax.First casefulBirney writes that the comment of each character as scented or using the word sweet to describe them on Chaucers part is ironic.Nicholas sweet singer, sweet smelling of herbs all day & Being uninhibited. l. 97, l. 99., l. 107 Birney p. 76 middleAlisoun of course sweet as well as N icholas, her mouth is described as sweet. l. 153 Birney p. 78 extend.Absolon is a contrast, he is artificially sweet, he chews spices an herbs to try to be sweet. Birney p. 79 lower. These three descriptions are the first things in Birneys article that are beginning the ironic structure that Chaucer has carefully built. Second EventNext, Birney examines the irony between the rivalry of Nicholas and Absolon in order to gain Alisouns kiss, affection, or to declare an affair with her.Nicholas has no rivals in a management he just becomes forceful and persistant he offers himself in an aggressive musical mode and he gains her permission to do what he pleases to her body. l. 165-186, Birney p. 78 (before the quote).Absolon approaches her by acquittance to her window at night and serenading her mind you he does not have a sweet voice (sqeaky, feminine) his approach is the most pathetic and defensive Then he tries to woo her by giving her gifts such as waffles and sweet wine Birney a rgues that he should not have tried to hallow sweet gifts to someone who is naturally sweet. l. 245- 259, l. 270 272, Birney p. 79 lower 80 top & 80 middle.Third Event The ClimaxFinnaly, the third event has been unraveled and anticipated, done The two first events. The greatly anticipated climax begins to unravel. Absolon kisses Alisouns resurrect end and the vengefully burns Nicholas instead of Alisoun (he dosent really care).