Describe the trick played by Nicholas in the Miller tale

Describe and analyse the trick played by Nicholas

Nicholas’s intent is to create an illusion of dramatic circumstance to effectively startle and rid himself of John. He wants to achieve this in order to provide himself with the opportunity to have sexual intimancy with Alison. It was a longing shared by both parties :- “For this was his desir and hire also”
As a “clerk” studying astronomy, Nicholas has the intelligence to think of complex situations and can handle many ideas. This gives him an advantage over John the “sely”, simple Carpenter who hasn’t had an adequate education, and who hasn’t even read the famous “Catoun”. His lack of mental stimulation makes him prone to trickery, his “wit was rude” and this makes him rather gullible to others.
Nicholas decides to begin the trick when John goes to work, he deliberately ensures he has food rations for two days and remains in his room, isolated. This provokes fear in John, as he says:- “This wor...