m to unsuitable mates (12). The old husband, John, tyrannizes his wife day after day with his over-protective personality,while she is unfaithful to him by making love and flirting with other men. Trickery is a key part in The Millers Tale, and found in the infernal state: deception and disguise, characterizing marks of comedy, are used in infernal society for the purpose of gaining advantage, usually to the harm of others (12). Nicholas sweats more then one drop trying to make John believe a flood twice the size of Noahs flood will sweep over the earth, killing all; he uses this to his advantage to make love to Alison. The outcome of the infernal state is usually a reckoning in which the community is reaffirmed, even if in the sternest possible way; justice is meted out to offenders, and the innocent are vindicated (12). While Alison and Nicholas are at it, Absalom comes by wanting a passionate kiss from Alison. Coming right up to the window, he calls out to her, but she harshly replies that she loves another. Nicholas whispers something into Alisons ear, which makes her giggle, and she goes to the window and says she is ready. He leaps back, and ends up kissing her rear. To return the favor, Absalom acquires a red-hot iron poker to ram it into Nicholas rear.Revenge in The Millers Tale is a prominent theme, which leads to the beginnings of the dark and infernal realm found in this tale. For example, John, who loved [Alison] better than he loved his life, (Miller, 87) is avenged by his own wife, Alison. Mentioned early in the tale, John is a wealthy lout (86), which is why Alison marries this old carpenter. Although John is a wealthy man with hard-earned money, he deemed himself as like to be cuckold (87), which Alison took advantage of to the greatest extent. Trying his best to protect the young teenager, jealous he was and held her close in cage (87), because of his jealousy he became more gullible, which Alison took adva...
