The Miller

The Miller, named Robin, is a stereotypical representation of a dishonest man. He is a rich villager whose prime concern is the augmentation of his own profits. Professor Curry has provided a scientific explanation of the Miller’s character based on Aristotle, Rhazes, and the Secreta Secretorum. His physical characteristics are a reflection of his personality and temperament. His broad-shouldered, stocky built, his huge plump face with luxuriant red beard, and squat nose with an ugly black wart on top --- is symptomatic of his shameless, loquacious, quarrelsome, deceitful and lecherous character. Chaucer states that the Miller is quite an expert in stealing grain and charging thrice the amount and yet has a golden thumb. Chaucer uses the common saying, "An honest miller hath a golden thumb" as a pun, to ironically suggest that this Miller’s golden thumb only serves to increase his own profits. The Miller is very strong and can heave the strongest door off its hinges by battering it with his head. He comes across as a repulsive buffoon who likes to joke about sin and scurrilous tales. He plays the bagpipe very well, and leads the company of pilgrims out of the town, to its soulful music.

The Manciple

A Manciple is an attendant who purchases provisions for a college, an inn of court, or the like. Chaucer’s Manciple serves the lawyers and students at the temple that is the Inner or Middle Temple near the Strand. The Manciple is as dishonest as the Miller and always makes a profit on his purchases. Chaucer ironically praises his financial wisdom that enables him to hoodwink his masters comprising of the best-learned lawyers in the country. Chaucer has drawn a satiric portrait of the Manciple’s professional malpractice.