The Manciple's Manner of Speaking

Description: Shows how concern with lack of "self-control in speech" unifies ManP and ManT, especially in its traditional association with anger, one of the "sins of the tongue." The theme also occurs in SumT and MerT, but it is presented with greater "subtlety" in ManPT, where indiscreet speaking drives the plot and unrestrained cynicism characterizes the narrator. Chaucer approves of the Manciple's "skill with words," but not his lack of scruples.

Chaucer Subjects: Manciple and His Tale; Summoner and His Tale; Merchant and His Tale