The Canterbury Tales: The Second Nun's Tale Theme of Truth

Truth in "The Second Nun's Tale" refers to Christianity. The tale presents Christianity as necessarily more true than any other religion because of its belief in an eternal God who grants eternal life. This conception of truth draws upon the Greek philosopher Plato's idea of truth as something that is always true and unchanging – hence, an eternal God, and a life in him, is more true than any other kind of god or life. A late classical or medieval person familiar with this concept would find completely reasonable Tiburtius and Valerian's declaration of Christianity as the truest thing they've ever heard, even though to us their certainty might seem mysterious.

Another characteristic of truth in "The Second Nun's Tale" is that it is exclusive – that is, not everyone can easily obtain it. Only those who give up their former attachments (represented here by pagan idols) and purge themselves of sin are able to really know truth, and these steps may be possible to them only through God's grace. Those like Almachius, who have no desire to take these required steps, will never be able to recognize truth.

1. How does "The Second Nun's Tale" link truth to the sense of sight? What does this connection suggest about the symbolism of vision in the tale?
2. How does "The Second Nun's Tale" portray the truths of Christianity as eminently reasonable, or does it?
3. What do the characters in the tale have to do in order to learn the truth? Why do you think these are the steps they must take in order to discover it?
4. Why does Cecilia call Almachius a liar? Do you agree with her? If so, how does she prove it? If not, why not?

"The Second Nun's Tale" portrays truth as accessible only through God's grace.

"The Second Nun's Tale" portrays truth as something that can be reached through the actions of the truth-seeker.

Cecilia's failure to die when Almachius orders it symbolizes Christianity's evacuation of all truth from Almachius and his statements.