The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
The Man of Law’s Tale explained
The Man of Law tells the story of Constance, a virtuous Christian princess who endures exile, shipwreck, false accusations, and murder plots, yet remains faithful to God.
What happens
The Man of Law tells the story of Constance, a virtuous Christian princess who endures exile, shipwreck, false accusations, and murder plots, yet remains faithful to God. She marries the Syrian Sultan and later King Alla of Northumbria, ultimately being reunited with her father after many trials, highlighting the workings of divine providence.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it shifts the focus from the external, ritualistic acts…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Fortune and Providence
Constance's survival through shipwrecks and false accusations is attributed to divine providence, contrasting with the whims of fortune.
- Sin and Redemption
The Soudaness's murderous sin leads to damnation, while Constance's suffering leads to redemption and reunion.
Characters to notice
- The Man of Law
Tells the tale of Constance, emphasizing themes of justice and providence.
- Dame Constance
The virtuous protagonist who suffers numerous trials but remains faithful.
- Alla
King of Northumbria who marries Constance and later converts to Christianity.
- The Soudan
Syrian Sultan who converts to marry Constance but is killed by his mother.
- The Soudaness
The Sultan's mother who plots and executes the massacre of the Christians.
Key passages
“O queen of heaven, O blissful Mary, that art the sovereign of all comfort and of bliss, I pray thee, my dear lady, help me to tell the story of thy servant, who was so steadfast in her faith.”
The Man of Law invokes the Virgin Mary to aid him in recounting the tale of Constance, whose faith never wavered.
The narrator calls upon divine assistance to properly honor Constance's unwavering devotion.
“The Soudaness, full of malice and of pride, swore that she would rather die than see her son wed a Christian.”
The Sultan's mother, driven by hatred and arrogance, vows to prevent the marriage by any means, even murder.
The Soudaness's opposition sets the tragic plot in motion, highlighting religious conflict.
