Geoffrey Chaucer: Irony
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The uses of irony in The Prologue
According to John Speir, "the irony is as much in what is left unsaid as in what is said." The irony is the best method for exposing the good and bad points of the characters. Chaucer used irony in a good manner only to define the behavior of some characters. His aim is to bring to light the ugly behavior of the people of his society. His ironical remarks are not against professions but against the people who belong to these professions.
Firstly, the whole conception of the prioress's portrait is based on irony. The description of her physical beauty and dress suggests that she is the heroine of some romance, but owing to pressing economic stringency she has to lead her secluded life in a convent. The irony is highlighted by the conflict between appearance and reality. The words inscribed on her golden brooch are Amor Vincit Omnia, meaning 'Love conquers all things'. One wonders whether she means by this motto celestial or physical love? Here we find that Chaucer's ironical description lies in the fact that ' the surfaces reveal what lies beneath'. The Prioress's character is ironically presented by Chaucer. One wonders what this wild flower has to do in a cloistered convent. The way she offers divine prayers in a nasal tone and the way she speaks French like a sophisticated aristocrat is quite ironical.
Secondly, as we see the character of the Merchant we find him always talking about profit. He is always boasted about the increase in his profit which is ironical.
Thirdly, the irony lies in the fact that the Monk is a great lover of horse riding and hare hunting instead of his ecclesiastical duties.
Fourthly, Chaucer ironically depicts the Lawyer, that he pretends to be very busy. But the situation is just opposite.
' and yet he seemed busier than he was '.
Fifthly, Chaucer's depiction of the character of the Doctor of physic is equally ironical.
Sixthly, the way the Reeve pleased his feudal Lord by giving and lending him from his own possessions is quite ironical.
Seventhly, the irony lies in the character of Wife of Bath. Who enjoyed the conjugal happiness with five husband's and is quite prepared for the sixth one.
Chaucer's aim was to provide entertainment to his readers and not rectify the corruption of his time. So, his victim was more the individual than the instruction.
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Secondly, as we see the character of the Merchant we find him always talking about profit. He is always boasted about the increase in his profit which is ironical.
Thirdly, the irony lies in the fact that the Monk is a great lover of horse riding and hare hunting instead of his ecclesiastical duties.
Fourthly, Chaucer ironically depicts the Lawyer, that he pretends to be very busy. But the situation is just opposite.
' and yet he seemed busier than he was '.
Fifthly, Chaucer's depiction of the character of the Doctor of physic is equally ironical.
Sixthly, the way the Reeve pleased his feudal Lord by giving and lending him from his own possessions is quite ironical.
Seventhly, the irony lies in the character of Wife of Bath. Who enjoyed the conjugal happiness with five husband's and is quite prepared for the sixth one.
Chaucer's aim was to provide entertainment to his readers and not rectify the corruption of his time. So, his victim was more the individual than the instruction.
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