The Canterbury Tales · English Literature

Which character in the 'Miller's Tale' is a parish clerk who tries to woo Alisoun with singing and incense but ends up 'kissing her eye' in the dark?

  1. Nicholas
  2. John
  3. Absolon
  4. Gervase
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Correct answer: Absolon

Absolon is the effeminate and fastidious parish clerk who serves as a foil to the more successful 'Handy Nicholas.' His failed attempt to win Alisoun leads to the famous and crude 'misdirected kiss' scene.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 20

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