The Reeve’s Tale

1. The Reeve’s Tale Zach Leighninger, MadyPreece TarrahTibbets, Chris Moreau

2. Summary In the town of Trumpingfon stood a mill, owned and operated by a family of three; a greedy, thieving, cheating husband, a short, stubby, noble wife, and a beautiful young daughter. One day two boys came to the mill on horses as they needed their wheat ground. The miller, being the thief and trickster that he is, steals half the boy’s grain and sets on of their horses free. As John and Alan set to re-capture their missing horse, the miller used the stolen wheat to bake a meal for his family. Meanwhile the boys realize it has become too late to find lodging, thus they ask to stay with the miller and his family. Within the mill beds have been set up for the boys to sleep in. Meanwhile the miller and his wife have become intoxicated and passed out. With the miller and his wife passed out, Alan sees an opportunity to sleep with the miller’s daughter, and slips into bed with her.

3. Major Characters • The Miller • The Wife • The Daughter • John • Alan

4. The Miller • Proud • Puggish • Greedy • Hostile • Always carried a knife in his belt • Had the nickname Simpkin the Swagger • Liked to steal and cheat

5. The Wife • Noble Born • Short • Stubby • She was together with the Miller most of the time

6. The Daughter • Beautiful • Had long beautiful hair • Had a fair (pretty) face

7. Alan and John • Came to the mill to get their grain milled • Rode in on horses • Were wealthy? • Lived at the college in Cambridge

8. Discussion Questions • What are the common themes? • Why do the boys travel to the mill? • What is the miller’s first trick? • Why do they end up staying the night? • Who does john accidentally crawl into bed with?