Geoffrey Chaucer's characterisation of Absolon as well as Nicholas in "The Millers Tale" illustrates the major contrasting behavioural views of the time. Chaucer shows the values, behaviours, characteristics and approaches to many facets of the late middle ages and Renaissance period life. These are particularly demonstrated through the characters approaches to courting women and love, as well as their occupation. It is through the contrast in the characters that the reader can see both extents of life in that time period.
The values and approaches that Absolon and Nicholas have towards courting women and love particularly shows the way in which each character is portrayed by Chaucer. Nicholas has a very direct approach to courting women. His methods towards courting Alison verges on molesting her, however, for whatever reason Alison eventually responds in a positive way towards his actions. This is shown by Nicholas' grabbing of Alison's crouch:.
"As clerkes ben ful subtile and ful queynte;.
And prively he caughte hire by the queynte,".
(For clerks are very subtle and very clever;.
And immediately he caught her by her crotch) .
The severity of the situation is lessened by the Miller through the pun, as he plays on the two meanings of 'queynte', which is further illustrated by the juxtaposition of the two lines. The action develops the portrayal of Nicholas as a seemingly lower class, moderately intellectual although likeable character. .
On the other hand there is Absolon who embodies the much more common approach towards courtly love for the time. This is through his serenading of her every night, buys her gifts and gives her his money. Although this was a more common practise than Nicholas' approach it lacks the power and authority that Nicholas provides and Alison appears to like. .
"He syngeth, brokkynge as a nyghtyngale;.
He sente hire pyment, meeth, and spiced ale,.
And wafres, pipyng hoot out of the gleede; .
