Summary and Analysis of “The Shipman’s Tale” From the Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer, one specific tale displays deceit, avarice, and lust. “The Shipman’s Tale” involves a wealthy yet foolish merchant, an avaricious wife, and a deceitful monk. The tale perfectly exhibits how the church was not the only corrupt institution of the Middle Ages. Marriage was also corrupt in some cases, especially in “The Shipman’s Tale.” The tale also provides a perfect example of dishonesty and deception. “The Shipman’s Tale” takes place in the town of Saint Denis. Saint Denis is the home of a wealthy yet busy merchant. The Merchant has an exceptionally beautiful, fun, and sociable wife. His wife frequently desires expensive and materialistic items, “which is a thing that causes more expense than all the close attention and reverence is worth.” The merchant also has a splendid house and invites guests very often. One of the most frequent guests is a young monk by the name of Sir John. John…show more content… The Merchant happily agrees and tells the Monk to repay his debt whenever he can afford to. After the Merchant leaves, the Monk soon arrives at the house with the one hundred francs that he promised to the wife. The wife offers to repay the Monk with a night in bed, and the Monk agrees. When the Merchant finally returns, he decides to visit his dear friend Sir John. While visiting the Monk, the Monk claims that he repaid the one hundred francs to the Merchant’s Wife not long after he borrowed it. Pleased that he had been repaid, the Merchant says his goodbyes and returns home. However, after his wife does not tell him of the money due to him, he questions her. Without fear, she says that she used the money to buy fine clothing that she deserved and in return she will repay him in bed. The Merchant forgives his wife, but asks her to not be so extravagant