Dreams/Predetermined Fate
In The Nun’s Priest’s Tale the whole idea is based around the initial incident, Chanticleer’s dream prophesizing his fate. Chanticleer strongly believes in the truth behind his dream, which is connected with theme of predetermined fate. The dream in this poem could symbolize a situation in the priest’s real life where he had a vision and a nun deterred him from paying it special attention. The rest of the poem is littered with references of God’s command over one’s fate. The fox mentions that his attack on Chanticleer was destined to happen and he had no choice. During the time this poem was written many people strongly believed in the power behind dreams. Perhaps this theme is dated and would hold stronger controversy during the time it had been written.
Irony
Irony is a repeating theme in this poem beginning with the intellectual discussion of God and the serious moral of the story portrayed by common farm chickens. One would think such mature subjects would be told from characters of human form but the author chooses to use chickens. Another form of irony is the that the fox told Chanticleer of how wise and great his father was to convince him to let his guard down although it was the fox, I discovered after research, that ended the life of Chanticleer’s father. Irony can also been seen in the story of Dan Bernel the Ass; A boy breaks a rooster’s leg thinking he defeated the chicken however, the next morn the rooster refuses to crow, therefore preventing the boys awakening and causing him to miss his church appointment. Irony is a subtle but constant theme in this poem that displays Geoffrey Chaucer’s talent in an eloquent fashion.
Anti-Feminism
Anti-feminism seems to be a prominent theme throughout the poem, beginning with Chanticleer’s wife defying his assumptions about his vision. Chanticleer has a dream that an attack from a fox will soon confront him however; his wife declares that dreams are folly and she is embarrassed by his lack of bravery. This persuades Chanticleer to change his mind and ignore the dream. The author’s opinion on women becomes clearer in his allusion to the Bible stating A woman’s counsel brought us first to woe And Adam caused from Paradise to go in line 255. When Chanticleer does in fact receive and attack from Russell fox, Pertalote is proven wrong, painting women and their opinions in a negative light.