The Logic of Confusion is the 'Manciple's Tale'

Author / Editor
Davidson, Arnold B.

Title
The Logic of Confusion is the 'Manciple's Tale'

Published
Annuale Mediaevale 19 (1979): 5-13.

Description
Though aspects of ManT seem hopelessly irreconcilable, the tale itself is a coherent whole, its incongruities intentional. While the Manciple cunningly pretends to be a fool, he is, in a different sense, a far greater fool than he pretends to be. By effectively portraying a protagonist who deliberately deceives his immediate audience while remaining self-deceived, Chaucer achieves the subtly ironic Christian comedy that characterizes the best work in CT.

Chaucer Subjects
Manciple and His Tale.