The Cook's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
A cook in London, known for his jovial nature, begins his tale after a lively exchange with the Reeve and the Host. He introduces a young apprentice, Perkin Revellour, who is lively and fond of revelry, often neglecting his duties in favor of dancing and gambling. Perkin is described as charming and attractive, with a penchant for taverns over work. As he approaches the end of his apprenticeship, his master decides to dismiss him, believing it better to let him go than to allow his bad influence to corrupt the other apprentices. Perkin, now free, seeks out a companion who shares his love for gambling and merriment. He finds a fellow named who has a wife that supports them through her own questionable means. The tale hints at the apprentice's future escapades, filled with vice and indulgence, but abruptly ends, leaving the story incomplete. The unfinished nature of the tale suggests a potential moral or commentary on the consequences of a life of excess, but it remains unresolved, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the characters' lives.
By Geoffrey Chaucer · First published 1394 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Satire, Comedy · 1,776 words
First lines
The Prologue The Cook of London, while the Reeve thus spake, For joy he laugh'd and clapp'd him on the back:
"Aha! " quoth he, "for Christë's passión, This Miller had a sharp conclusión, Upon this argument of herbergage. [1362]
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The Cook's Tale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Geoffrey Chaucer, dated 1394 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Geoffrey Chaucer
- Date: 1394 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 1,776 words
- Structure: 1 section, 95 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Squires Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
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- Celebrity by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Friars Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is written in verse and tells a story, characteristic of Chaucer's style.
- Satire — The tale critiques social norms and behaviors, particularly regarding the character of the apprentice and his lifestyle.
- Comedy — The humorous elements and light-hearted tone reflect comedic aspects, typical of Chaucer's storytelling.
- Social Commentary — The narrative provides insights into the social dynamics and moral issues of the time.
Tags
Medieval Literature · English Folklore · Satire · Social Commentary · Comedy · Fictionalized Autobiography · Coming of Age · Young Adult Fiction · Prose Narrative · Middle English · 14th Century England · London Setting