The Clerks Tale: Geoffrey Chaucer

Reading this work by Geoffrey Chaucer was much different than reading a piece by Marie de France. There are no supernatural elements in the story, commonly seen in Marie's works. It was also not as realistic as the typical lais we have read. The story brought about a lot of questions and confusion: Can a peasant girl suddenly lifted from poverty and placed among the riches of the palace maintain her "sweet nobility"? Is it possible for a woman to possess this overwhelming patience and unquestioning obedience? Can a mother actually relinquish her innocent children without a single protest? Personally I think the character of Griselda is very unrealistic.

The character of Walter is a different matter. Having selected Griselda, Walter first asks the free consent of Griselda's father; afterwards he asks the free consent of Griselda herself a good beginning because Walter could have simply taken Griselda by any means. Nevertheless, Walter is arrogant, as well as selfish, spoiled, and wantonly cruel.