So this is the summary of my tale I have to do for a project, and I had a question about it.
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The Canterbury TalesOriginal study guide for literatureBuy Book (US $5.99)Buy PDF (US $3.99)The Canterbury Tales
By Geoffrey Chaucer
Summary and Analysis
The Physician's Tale
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Virginius, a knight, has only one child, Virginia, whose beauty is beyond compare and who is endowed with all the other noble virtues. One morning, in town, a judge named Apius (or Appius) catches sight of the daughter, is smitten by her beauty and purity, and determines to have her at any cost. He sends for the town's most disreputable blackguard, Claudius, and pays him to take part in a scheme to capture the girl.
In court before Judge Appius, Claudius falsely accuses Virginius of having stolen a servant girl (Virginia) from his house many years ago and keeping her all these years, pretending that she is his daughter. Before Virginius can defend himself, the evil judge orders that the young girl be brought immediately to the court. Virginius returns home and calls his daughter into his presence. She must, he says, accept either death or shame at the hands of Claudius and Apius. Virginia tells her father: "Blessed be God that I shall die a Maid (virgin), / I take my death rather than take my shame. / So do your will upon me ("Blissed be God, that I shal dye a mayde! / Yif me my deeth, er that I have a shame; / Do with youre child youre wyl"). Then she faints, and her father "smote off her head." Virginius returns to the judge and hands him Virginia's head. The judge orders the knight hanged for murder, but a throng of citizens, aroused by the Apius' treachery, imprisons the judge. Claudius is to be hanged, but the knight pleads mercy and suggests exile instead.
The Physician concludes his tale with the moral that "the wages of sin is Death" and let everyone forsake his sins.
What are some themes that are of the story? I'm having a hard time connecting it to anything for my presentation..
Thank you
Read widely, take notes, and let us know what you come up with.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/canterbury/themes.html
http://www.gradesaver.com/the-canterbury-tales/study-guide/major-themes/
http://www.novelguide.com/thecanterburytales/themeanalysis.html
http://www.shmoop.com/canterbury-tales-prologue/themes.html
Based on the provided summary of "The Physician's Tale" from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," some themes that can be identified are:
1. Sacrifice: The theme of sacrifice is present in the story through Virginia's willingness to die rather than submit to shame. Her father, Virginius, sacrifices his daughter's life to protect her honor and innocence.
2. Corruption and Abuse of Power: The story highlights the corrupt nature of Judge Appius, who uses his position of power to fulfill his desires. He falsely accuses Virginius and orders Virginia to be brought to court against her will.
3. Justice and Repercussions: Although there are initially unjust actions, justice prevails in the end. The citizens become aware of Appius' treachery and imprison him, and Claudius is sentenced to punishment. The story suggests that sin and corruption eventually have consequences.
4. Morality and Virtue: The tale emphasizes the importance of morality and virtue through Virginia's unwavering commitment to her virtue and her willingness to die rather than compromise her reputation.
When connecting these themes to your presentation, you can discuss how each theme plays a crucial role in the story and its underlying message. Additionally, you can analyze how these themes resonate with society and human nature in general.