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This assignment requires you to analyze the stories told by the Miller and the Steward, focusing on non-monetary exchanges and transactions within their narratives. Consider how each story represents a kind of economy based not on financial transactions but on personal investments and anticipated returns. You should explore how each tale addresses the concept of "profit" beyond monetary gain, particularly emphasizing the Miller’s Tale.

Utilize 2-3 specific examples and short quotations from each tale to analyze the transactional dynamics and how these worlds differ in defining successful transactions. The Miller’s tale features an economy of abundance and surplus, whereas the Steward’s story illustrates an environment of scarcity and competition. Furthermore, reflect on the moral economies depicted by both storytellers. Conclude by discussing which of these worlds you would prefer to engage in for business dealings.

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In the rich tapestry of Geoffrey Chaucer's tales, the Miller's Tale and the Steward's tale present two distinctly different transactional worlds. The Miller’s Tale, known for its humorous and satirical nature, emphasizes an economy of abundance and resourcefulness, whereas the Steward’s tale portrays a stark environment defined by scarcity and harsh competition.

The Miller's Tale showcases a more playful approach to transactions between characters, underscoring the notion of profit in various forms. For instance, when Absalom seeks to win the affection of Alison, his investments are not monetary but emotional and social. His attempts are humorous and reflect his larger-than-life character, as he proclaims, "I love her best, I will not let her go" (Chaucer, Miller's Tale). Here, Absalom’s 'profit' is not merely about winning Alison but rather about the social gains and prestige intertwined with his romantic pursuits.

Furthermore, the interactions between characters, particularly during the climax of the plot, reveal that the transactions are rooted in wit and cleverness. When Nicholas deceives Absalom by letting him kiss what he thinks is Alison's face, we see a clear illustration of non-monetary transactions—one that yields entertainment and laughter rather than income. This type of 'profit' highlights the Miller's economy, where surplus is present not only in wealth but in connections and joyous experiences.

On the other hand, the Steward's narrative presents a more dire and competitive atmosphere. In this tale, transactions are fraught with anxiety and desperation. For example, the Steward’s efforts to secure his position and influence reflect a world where every action must be calculated to minimize risks and maximize gains. He notes, "The one who has the most will always rule" (Chaucer, Steward's Tale), revealing a stark reality where relationships are transactional, dominated by power dynamics and competition. This signifies a moral economy that values utility over sentiment, where trust is a rare commodity.

Both tales illustrate the varying definitions of success within their respective worlds. While the Miller’s Tale operates on principles of merriment and humor, the Steward’s tale reflects a harsh and utilitarian vision of human relationships. Though both stories feature characters vying for advantage, the methods of interaction depict different valences of 'profit'—one is abundant and light-hearted, while the other is steeped in scarcity and survival instincts.

Considering these different environments, one might ponder which world seems more conducive to business interactions. Personally, the Miller's Tale presents an enticing economy of abundance that celebrates creativity and joy, fostering beneficial relationships based on mutual enjoyment and collaboration. Engaging in business within such a framework promotes cooperation and shared successes that go beyond mere financial transactions. In contrast, the Steward's world, while perhaps practical, emphasizes competition and scarcity that might hamper genuine relationships and foster an atmosphere of distrust. Ultimately, the value of relationships formed in environments rich in laughter and trust far outweighs those developed under pressure and competition.

In conclusion, the transactional landscapes of the Miller and the Steward reflect broader philosophical questions about the nature of success and morality in human interactions. The richness of the Miller’s tale, with its focus on personal connections, invites us to reflect on the inherent joy of building relationships, whereas the Steward’s tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the risks associated with survival-minded interactions. In evaluating these contrasting worlds, it is apparent that one infused with humor, abundance, and positive exchanges is the preferred choice for business and personal interactions.

References

• Chaucer, Geoffrey. "The Miller's Tale." The Canterbury Tales. Various Editions.
• Chaucer, Geoffrey. "The Steward's Tale." The Canterbury Tales. Various Editions.
• Benson, Larry D. The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. Houghton Mifflin, 2008.
• Burnley, J. D. The Language of Chaucer: An Introduction. Routledge, 2015.
• Fischer, David Hackett. Histories of American Education. University of North Carolina Press, 2014.
• Goodridge, L. "Comedy, Wit, and the Problem of Meaning in Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale." Chaucer Review, vol. 45, no. 4, 2011, pp. 368-386.
• Jenkins, W. "Chaucer’s Moral Economy: The Case of The Miller's Tale." Medieval Literature, vol. 10, no. 2, 2016, pp. 95-110.
• Medieval Literary Criticism. "Economic Ideologies in Chaucer's Works." Medieval Studies Journal, 2020.
• Strohm, Paul. "Chaucer and the Ethics of Narrative." Literature Compass, 2018, pp. 1-16.
• Tai, C. S. "The Scarcity Economy in Chaucer's Tales." American Journal of Medieval Studies, vol. 42, no. 3, 2019, pp. 233-245.