In its exploration of how two different nations succeed or fail at converting to Custance's faith, "The Man of Law's Tale" reflects not only upon Christianity, but the Islamic faith that it wants to replace. The Sultan's mother's reasons for rejecting Christianity are surprisingly sympathetic: she sincerely regards Islam as the true faith revealed by God's prophet, and fears hell if she rejects it (which goes for Christians, too). The Northumberlanders, by contrast, do not seem to have as much attachment to paganism, so their conversion goes down a bit easier.
Questions About Religion
- What does "The Man of Law's Tale" suggest might be the reasons the Christian conversion fails in Babylon while succeeding in Northumbria?
- How does the Christian faith in "The Man of Law's Tale" enable characters to cope with their suffering?
- Where does "The Man of Law's Tale" allude to the Fall of Man? How is this episode significant to the themes of the tale?
- How does King Alla "prove" the sincerity of his Christian faith? What is his reward?
Chew on This
"The Man of Law's Tale" suggests that the failure of the Christian conversion in Babylon is due to the people's sincere belief in their Muslim faith.
"The Man of Law's Tale" suggests that the failure of the Christian conversion in Babylon is due to the people's moral failings.
"The Man of Law's Tale" portrays Satan as the cause of Custance's troubles in Babylon, linking her story to the Fall of Man.