Three Big Fat Lies go down in "The Man of Law's Tale." In all of them, Custance is their intended victim. Yet in all cases, the truth is eventually brought to light. In the case of the treacherous knight, the hand of God illuminates the truth. This reflects His characterization as the God of Truth who not only exposes lies, but also reveals the Truth to his faithful. King Alla distinguishes himself as a determined truth-seeker too, not content to rest until he has learned the facts of both the Knight's and his mother's treachery. In all cases, lies are revealed and liars are punished: this is a world ruled by the God of Truth, who reveals all things in time.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- What deceptions occur in "The Man of Law's Tale"? Who is responsible for them?
- How are liars punished in "The Man of Law's Tale"? Do their punishments fit their crimes?
- By whom, and by what means, are deceptions uncovered in "The Man of Law's Tale"?
- How does "The Man of Law's Tale" connect truth in general to the Christian truth, and lies to paganism?
Chew on This
"The Man of Law's Tale" portrays Christianity as the religion of truth in the alignment of its characters with truth and deception, as well as in the means and agents of the revelation of the truth.
King Alla models an ideal Christian scholar with his perseverance in seeking out the truth.