Woods, William F. “Symkyn’s
Place in the Reeve’s Tale.” The Chaucer Review: A Journal of Medieval
Studies and Literary Criticism, vol. 39, no. 1, 2004, pp. 17-40.
Aiming to provide
scholars with a thorough understanding of metaphors drawn from astrology and
theology in the 14th century, Woods argues that the metaphors used
in the Reeve’s Tale hold both expressive and explanatory importance (19).
Specifically, Woods examines the metaphors used in relation to space and time
with the invitation that Symkyn extends to Aleyn and John. Through a discussion
of Symkyn’s internal and external space, Woods asserts that Symkyn attempts to
transcend social rank by filling the need of space that he holds himself internally
and displays externally as well (35). An examination of astrological and
theological influences on writing in the 14th century allow Woods to
conclude that Symkyn is characterized by a longing to alter his social standing,
and the metaphors provided allow readers to thoroughly understand Symkyn’s
motivations throughout the tale.
-Megan Rogosheske
