The Merchant - Ty Collins

The Merchant (Canterbury tales)

The Merchant is a character in the story Canterbury tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer The Merchant is a bitter man who is strongly against marriage because women are unfaithful all though it's not said directly his bad outlook on marriage comes from his wife and the negative relationship they have together

## Description

The Merchant is a very cynical man who has lots of disgust for his distasteful wife. This disgust runs his life he show lots of open hatred towards marriage and women all together it is common for the merchant to make guest uncomfortable with his relentless ranting. He is a wealthier man thanks to his skills in business which helps him sell his clothing and furs. He boasts a long white beard and colorful clothing it is said that he always appears in high standings. Through out Geoffrey Chaucer makes it that the merchant is not his favorite person because of his strong disbelieves on marriage.

## Status

The Merchant is a wealth fur and clothing trader. He is a wealthy man and is at the top of the society ladder unlike many others. His business has treated him well and given him a good and easy life where he wants for very little. He is always portrayed highly.

## The Merchants story

The merchants story follows and older knight named January. After years of knighthood and nobility January decides to settle down and fulfill gods wish of marriage. He finds a beautiful young woman, named May, to be his wife. Not long after the marriage Damian a young servant of January falls deeply in love with May. Damian's love for May grows so strong that he becomes physically ill. January sends May and a few other servants to Damien's aid during this time. Damien confesses his love and May returns his feelings. Not long after this exchange January goes blind and requires May to stay by his side at all times. May being crafty still finds a way to give Damian a key to January secret garden. Later may claims that she has an burning lust for a pear. So she leads January to his garden to retrieve a pear she has January bend down so she can climb into the tree. Damian who is already waiting helps pull her into the tree and they being "swyving" during these moments they are in bliss but not for long as January vision is restored. He quickly bellows with rage. May quickly jumps down from the tree and with a blessing from a godess she is given a believable excuse. May convinces January that his eyes were simply playing tricks on him since regaining his vision was like waking up and having to adjust to the bright light. She then gives January a warm embrace.

## Symbolism

There's a lot of symbolism in the tale that the merchant tells. The biggest symbols being the names of the characters themselves. January represents the color white like an old mans hair and beard. January is also associated with the cold and youth dying out. While May is young, energetic, warm, naive and typically associated with new life. The other two names are linked to seasons. Damien represents the devil in the story presenting temptation, lust and sin to those who are likely to fall victim. The pear tree at the end of the story was also representative during the period in which author Geoffrey was alive. A pear tree was commonly used in stories to show a failing and or breached marriage.

## Middle English

While reading this story some words were easier to pick out than other's but its hard to get a clear understanding as to whats going on until you read a translated version but the old English can be used even in translated versions to show emotions or express points.