The Second Nun's Tale, a conventional religious biography, tells the story of St. Chaucer uses symbolism and imagery to manifest Cecilia as a Saint of God.
St. Cecilia becomes the archetype of the savior in this tale. She saves Valerian and his brother and opens their eyes to Christ. Valerian and Tiburtius in time become symbols of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Cecilia eventually follows the two brothers in martyrdom, after spreading her message under much persecution. The angel at the beginning of the tale that protects Cecilia represents the potential of God's wrath. If Valerian would have touched her or had intercourse with her the wrath of God, the Angel, would have killed him, "he will kill you at once."(Chaucer 303) Pope Urban signifies the ancient Holy Man/ mystic. His location adds much to the tone the character brings forth, "this holy, aged Urban, lurking among the graves of the saints."(Chaucer 304) The old man appearing while at Urban's hiding place exemplifies a messenger of God. The messenger's attire and the author's word choice show him a holy doer of God's will, "an old man dressed in clear white clothes appeared. Holding a book with golden letters in his hand."(Chaucer 304) Another physical representation of God's holiness, the flowers presented to Cecilia and Valerian, illustrates that only a few will take the step to get into the grace of God, but the benefits give more than an existence out side of his will. The symbols of this account add to the tone of holiness that surrounds Cecilia.
The imagery of the Nun's second tale gives Cecilia a pure depiction. The references to Christ support the symbol of Cecilia as a savior archetype, "Sower of pure counsel, Shepherd of us all."(Chaucer 304) The imagery of pureness present Cecilia as one without blemish, "Oh, Lord, keep my soul and my body spotless, lest they be doomed."(Chaucer 303) The different color metaphors depict the goodness of the Saint.
