Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales in the late 14th century, featuring several loosely linked tales that revolve around typical medieval lifestyles with their many modern parallels. Marriage was a popular topic of debate during this era, with particular concerns regarding the reasons for and consequences of marriage. Chaucer presents a variation of points of view, initially through the Merchant's Prologue where the Merchant forcefully emphasizes his point of view which is passionately opposed to marriage. Chaucer structures the Prologue in the form of a confessional lament that parallels Justinus's anecdotal account of his experience of marriage. The powerful opening of The Merchant's Prologue is intended by Chaucer to echo the preceding epilogue to The Clerk's Tale which ends with the comment "and let him care, and weep and writhe and wail", followed by miserable descriptions of the Merchant's marriage which had him "weeping and wandering". The repeated use of the word “wepe” highlights their mutual distaste for married life. As the story progresses, the merchant's bitter tone shifts and becomes extremely accepting of the marriage in light of Januarie's upcoming decision to "marry in haste", suggesting his rash and thoughtless consideration for the true value of marriage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Chaucer makes it clear that Januarie's main reason for marrying is to live a spiritual, sanctified life that will allow her to have a place in heaven, but implicitly contrasts this. everywhere, for example; the specifications that Januarie makes to his wife are intended to satisfy his sexual desires. January's glorification of a young wife implicitly presents the idea that perfection and happiness in marriage are not possible with an older woman, which ties into the ideas depicted in the Clerk's Tale through Grisilida which is depicted as a young and beautiful wife who remains submissive, somewhat due to her youth. The reader gets the impression that Januarie is deluding himself since he himself is old, and that he can also appear critical and offensive. It can be interpreted that his intentions are only for himself. This contradicts traditional religious conditions of marriage which are beneficial to both husband and wife. Marriage was seen as unison and a reflection of Christ's love for his people. However, many medieval readers would identify with Januarie's ambitions for marriage, given that conventional attitudes about the nature of marriage were seen as a business transaction and the consolidation of title, such that marriage was rarely undertaken for love. This contrasts greatly with the views of a modern reader, who would be more inclined to disagree with Januarie's true goal in marriage. However, it seems pointless for Januarie to enter into a debate with his brothers because it seems that he has already made up his mind, and he becomes absorbed in Placebo's flattery. Placebo's sycophantic nature imposes his belief that Januarie does not need to get advice from anyone, and believes that Januarie should ignore "the word of Solomon" that it is best to act on the advice that the we asked. Medieval academic philosophers favored dialectic, but Placebo's use of exegesis does not provide a productive, informed argument - it only seems to allow Januarie to further understand himself in his fantasies without even considering.