Title: The Miller’s Tale - Summary for a Thirteen-Year-Old

Introduction: “The Miller’s Tale” is a lively and humorous story from the book “The Canterbury Tales” written by Geoffrey Chaucer. It follows the adventures of a mischievous miller named John, his young wife Alison, and a clever student named Nicholas. This summary will highlight the main ideas of the chapter, making it suitable for a thirteen-year-old reader.

1. Characters: - John: The gullible and older miller who is married to Alison. - Alison: A beautiful and flirtatious young woman who is married to John. - Nicholas: A clever and handsome student who lives with John and Alison. - Absolon: A parish clerk who is infatuated with Alison. - The carpenter: A foolish man who is married to Alison but is easily deceived.

2. Setting: The story takes place in a small town during medieval times. The characters live in a world where practical jokes and trickery are common.

3. Love and Deception: The main theme of the story revolves around love and deception. Alison is unhappy in her marriage and seeks affection elsewhere. She manipulates the men around her to get what she wants, leading to a series of humorous and unexpected events.

4. Nicholas’s Plan: Nicholas, the clever student, develops a plan to spend a night alone with Alison. He convinces John that a great flood is coming and advises him to hang three tubs from the ceiling to stay safe. This allows Nicholas to have a private encounter with Alison while John is preoccupied.

5. Absolon’s Pursuit: Absolon, the parish clerk, is also infatuated with Alison and tries to win her over. He serenades her outside her window, but she rejects him. In retaliation, Nicholas and Alison play a prank on Absolon, leading to a comical and embarrassing situation.

6. The Climax: As the night progresses, John wakes up and believes the flood is here. He cuts the ropes holding the tubs, causing chaos and injuring himself. The commotion attracts the attention of the townspeople, who mock John’s foolishness.

7. The Resolution: In the end, the characters are left embarrassed and humiliated. The story highlights the consequences of deception and the importance of trust in relationships.

Conclusion: “The Miller’s Tale” is a humorous and entertaining story that explores themes of love, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions. It showcases the cleverness of some characters and the foolishness of others, providing a valuable lesson about honesty and trust.