Introduction
The study of the literature of the past centuries is of particular value as it provides an understanding of how their thought represented itself in earlier times. Moreover, this process provides a unique insight into how people perceived the world and what morals and attitudes to culture and religion had. The Monk’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of several stories, each of which has its own meaningful message and instructive component. In particular, this work highlights the story “Samson,” which is characterized by a tragic narrative that reveals such themes as trust in people and the wild nature of one’s life.
Summary of the Story
First of all, it is crucial to gain an understanding of the story of the monk “Sampson” and what story underlies this story. The Monk narrates, “There was never such another as was he,/To speak of strength, and thereto hardiness” (The Monk’s Prologue and Tale). The man had incredible strength and no equal, and God blessed him with this skill. At the same time, an essential condition was put before Sampson that he could not cut his hair; otherwise, in an instant, he would lose everything that he was gifted with, and that made him unique. One day, he told this story to his wife, considering her quite reliable and loyal since this secret was vital to him. However, by this action, Sampson made a big mistake that completely turned his life around. Hence, his wife told the secret about the source of her husband’s strength to his enemies, who cut off his hair and wholly deprived him of his strength. The imprisoned Sampson became a laughing stock, and one day, people “made him as their fool before they play” (The Monk’s Prologue and Tale). The man prayed to the Almighty to give him strength for the last time. Having found what he asked for, he brought down the walls of the building, ending his life and everyone who was in it.
Main Themes
It is worth noting that a characteristic feature of Chaucer’s stories is the tragic nature of his narratives. Thus, one of the main topics is to provide an understanding that people do not have any power to change their fate. The second theme within the story of Sampson focuses on the fact that people should be cautious about whom they trust with their most valuable secrets. Author stated that “But to his wives he told his secret/Through which he slew himself for wretchedness” (The Monk’s Prologue and Tale). Thinking that such a close person as his wife could not betray him, he told her his secret, not knowing what tragic consequences it would lead to. The themes in the story develop and interact in the story, showing that a person cannot control the fate and actions of others.
Poetic Structure
Particular importance should be given to the story’s rhyme scheme and meter. It is worth noting that they are pretty simple to understand and do not complicate the perception of the message and themes transmitted by the author. Therefore, the rhythm represents ababbcbc and remains so throughout the narrative of the fallen hero. Moreover, this rhythm ensures a smooth course of history. Regarding the meter of the narrative about Sampson, the author uses the relationship of the fourth and fifth stanzas, for example, as in “And this was in a temple of great array/But at last he made a foul affray” (The Monk’s Prologue and Tale). Thus, this aspect does not allow dividing paragraphs into distinct parts, as if organizing the story into semantic parts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Monarch’s Tales” provides the reader with instructive and often tragic stories, each of which has a unique message to consider. The story of Sampson, the great warrior whose power was based on a secret concluded with God, shows two themes at once. One of them is caution in revealing personal and intimate secrets. The second theme shows that a person is unable to control his fate and unexpectedly can and will turn into complete despair and suffering.
Work Cited
“The Monk’s Prologue and Tale.” Harvard University, no date, Web.