ABSTRACT
The emblem of widowed poverty, is far from being a fixed quantity like Grisilde’s patience, Cecilie’s fortitude, and Prudence’s wisdom. It is closer in spirit to the double readings of the characters of Custance, Virginia and Zenobia offered by their respective narrators; alternatively, to the shifting perspectives on the ideas of tragedy provided by the Monk’s collection. The protagonist passes the test and is rewarded, as in the Clerk’s tale, or fails and is punished, as in the Pardoner’s. The fox makes his appearance among the cabbages, and reduces the great songster to a frightened cluck and a panicky instinct for flight. Denying his own emblematic role of tempter and betrayer, the fox seduces the cock into ignoring the heavenly portent once more. He presents himself as a friend of the family and a lover of good music.
