The Canterbury Tales: The Second Nun's Tale Themes
Principles
This is the tale of Cecilia, so even though there are many characters in "The Second Nun's Tale" who demonstrate great principles (or holiness), it's Cecilia's that gets described and commented on...
Religion
The portrayal of Christianity in "The Second Nun's Tale" focuses on revealing how this faith differs from the pagan one it replaces. Cecilia promises heightened senses to Christian converts, a chan...
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 l...
Wisdom and Knowledge
More than most other virgin martyrs, Cecilia really knows her stuff, where "stuff" is Christian Theology. Cecilia uses this knowledge to convert pagans by preaching and teaching. So important is th...
Justice and Judgment
"The Second Nun's Tale" juxtaposes the good judgment of Valerian and Tiburtius in immediately accepting Christianity's truths with the very bad judgment of Almachius, who judges Christians as guilt...
Mortality
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Christianity Cecilia offers her converts is its promise of eternal life with God. In "The Second Nun's Tale," this promise offers the characters freedom on...