Tale of a Canterbury Tale (The Cook)

The Cook:
Summary- The tale describes the way the cook feels about his apprentice, and the shop he uses. The cook is passionate about his work, but it is ironic because he doesn't keep a clean kitchen. The cook is very passionate about the shop/kitchen he works in, but his apprentice is more involved in having a good time at the tavern or party. The cook decides it is better to get rid of the apprentice because he may spoil all the other good workers in the shop. In the very last line of the tale it states that his wife is for the public view, but his shop is his true passion and love.

Characterization:
- In line 4405 he quotes the proverb, which makes him seem like a sensible, and logical man. It also gives reasoning to letting the apprentice go.
- In line 4365-4380 you can get a sense of hatred towards people who are free-willed and like to party. He must like people who are dedicated to work, and not play.
- In line 4421 you get the understanding that he is extremely dedicated to his work, he loves the shop more then his own wife.
-Throughout there is references to God or religion, which allows the reader to know the cook is religious.
-You can determine that the cook is confused, I believe this because he keeps a dirty shop, but dedicates his life to the shop. Another reason he can be confused is because he wants a shop more then he wants a wife or family.

Chaucer's purpose:
I think the purpose of this tale is to show how dedicated someone can be to their work. I think that Chaucer definitely uses satirical techniques in this tale! The flies in the kitchen, and the conditions of the kitchen are all very concerning, since we all want food from a clean kitchen. I think he is also showing how a simple man can have power over someone who he may not entirely like. (on a side note now-a-days this isn't very satirical because fast food restaurants are gross behind the scenes as well)