One of the main themes of the story is the Christian views of the Jewish people during the Medieval Period. Christians viewed Jews very negatively and it comes through in the “Prioress’s Tale”.
In the Prioress’ tale, she explains that Satan himself told the Jews to an innocent child, “First of our foes, the Serpent Satan shook/ Those Jews hearts that are his waspish nest,/ Swelled up and said, ‘O Hebrew people look!/ Is this not something that should be redressed?’” (Chaucer 172).
In the tale, the Jews who live in a Ghetto murder an innocent Christian child because they are offended by a song he sings praising the Mother Mary. Christians would often tell stories like this to portray Jews in a negative light and continue the negative attitudes towards Jews. This shows how little the Christians thought of the Jews that they were actually people of the devil.
Justice
Another theme of the “Prioress’ Tale” is the idea of justice. During the Medieval Period it is a common belief that God brings horrible things upon terrible people but rewards those who are loyal to Him and good.
It is believed by all that “Evils shall meet the evils they deserve.” (Chaucer 175).
The Jewish people kill an innocent young boy and are punished for their actions by being dragged and hanged. At the same time, the young boy is faithful and innocent so the Mother Mary allows him to continue to be able to sing praises to her even though his throat is cut.