Ironical Resonances in the 'Merchant's Tale'

Author / Editor
Wurtele, Douglas (J.)

Title
Ironical Resonances in the 'Merchant's Tale'

Published
Chaucer Review 13 (1978): 66-79.

Description
Alongside January's outright parody of "Canticum Canticorum," a web of allusions thereto sets up an ironic juxtaposition of May and the Virgin Mary, reinforcing the bitterness permeating MerT; these subtle allusions also reflect the Merchant's desire to offer May as an ironic contrast to the Virgin-type Griselda of preceding ClT.

Chaucer Subjects
Merchant and His Tale.