A few years ago, in high school, I was assigned "The Summoner's Tale" from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to rewrite as I saw fit, as long as the story remained under 300 words. For those unfamiliar with the work, a short description of the character can be found here. The general goal of the Summoner is to make fun of the role of the Friar, especially by making him look unholy.
In an effort to post on a regular basis, and despite a severe lack of creativity at the moment, I figured I'd share an old piece. Maybe it'll give some literary aficionado somewhere a good laugh.
In an effort to post on a regular basis, and despite a severe lack of creativity at the moment, I figured I'd share an old piece. Maybe it'll give some literary aficionado somewhere a good laugh.
_____
The
Summoner’s Tale
“I
have been chosen for a special
pilgrimage,” bragged the humble friar as he held out a basket for food. “God bless,” the old woman mumbled, dropping
some bread, before quickly latching her door.
Satisfied
with his provisions, the friar examined his map. First, he was to first travel
toward Depford and help someone in need. He hurried down the path, only to find
a tavern blocking the way. The friar entered, hesitantly, and waited to ask for
directions. “Help!” cried an old man. “My friend has left me alone to drink.” The
friar rushed to the needy man, and faithfully remained by his side until both
men were sufficiently drunk and happy.
The
friar stumbled out the door towards Rochester where he was commanded to give
charity. The long path was covered in newly bloomed roses, so the friar
collected a handful as he went. After many hours of traveling, the friar encountered
a family of beggars resting beside the path. “Food,” they called. The friar considered
their request. He needed the food to sustain himself for the rest of his
pilgrimage--how was he supposed to give it away? The friar surveyed his
belongings. “These people are so ragged,” he thought. “They could certainly use
flowers to brighten their clothes.” He passed the flowers to the family,
smiling, and continued without waiting to be thanked.
The
friar traveled onward to Sittingbourne, where he was set to preach the word of
God to a group of criminals. A while down the path, he found a hole spouting
smoke. As he leaned in to take a closer look, the friar slipped and fell into
an enclosed room surrounded by flames. “Welcome,” said the devil. “It seems you
can’t read a map.”
