Greetings, hwaet!
When I read The Friar's Tale yesterday, I immediately thought of a Bible verse that Chaucer probably used as a foundation for his plot. Here it is:
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Paul tells his readers that Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light; Chaucer has a devil disguise himself as Robin Hood (my take).
The influence of this verse appears many times in literature-- Shakespeare uses it in Hamlet (and rightly so; that darn ghost doesn't act like any father I have known) May be the devil, and the devil hath power/ T' assume a pleasing shape (II. ii. 606-07)
Another reference to this verse is in Measure for Measure in the character Angelo (angel) who appears to be righteous and chaste, but who can wait to steal the virginity of Isabella. He appears good, but is in fact, wicked.
Well, it's no fun to have a obvious bad guy! It's much better to have someone like Iago who looks like he's a good friend, but who is the worst of the worst!
ReplyDeleteWhich do you think is better? Having a character who is obviously the embodiment of evil, or someone who is disguised by supposed goodness?
Those verses might tie to more than the actual demon looking like yeoman. I’m wondering if the tale is also trying to tie the summoner to those “deceitful workmen.” He does after all stress his bond with the fiend several times and even goes to the trouble to point out that he is a yeoman too.
ReplyDelete