Analysis of The Second Nun's Tale

The Second Nun’s Tale, a conventional religious biography, tells the story of St. Cecilia. 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) Pop...