An Analysis of the Theme of Betrayal by One's Loved Ones in Two Novels: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl
The Merchant’s Tale is a 14th-century poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer It is part of the Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The Merchant’s Tale tells the story of an elderly merchant wooing a beautiful young wife. The tale is full of symbolism, satire, and wit, and is packed with moral lessons and social commentary.
The Merchant’s Tale is an excellent source of interesting essay topics, as the story contains many different layers of meaning. Here are five of the best examples:
1. The Use of Symbolism in the Merchant’s Tale: Symbolism is a key theme in the Merchant’s Tale. It can be used to explore how the moral lessons are interpreted, and how the characters use it to further their own ends.
2. The Presentation of Marriage in the Merchant’s Tale: This essay topic allows for a discussion of the changing attitudes towards marriage during the 14th century. Discuss how the Merchant uses marriage as a metaphor for control, and how his views on marriage shape his choices.
3. The Role of Women in the Merchant’s Tale: This topic can allow for an exploration of how the characters’ attitudes towards gender roles shape their actions and views.
4. The Meaning of the Merchant’s Tale: The Merchant’s Tale is a story that contains many moral lessons and social commentaries. Discuss what the story means and how it applies to contemporary society.
5. The Effect of the Merchant’s Tale on Chaucer’s Writing: This topic can be used to look at how the Merchant’s Tale influenced Chaucer and his works. Explore how the story’s themes and characters can be seen in other works of Chaucer, such as The Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde.