Title Background

Line 30 of the Man of Law’s Tale and the Medieval Malkyn.

Line 30 of the Man of Law’s Tale and the Medieval Malkyn.

The name “Malkyn” (C. 1. 179-80) is stereotypical in ME of lowly rank, unsophistication, and unattractiveness, at least as judged according to courtly standards; and association with lechery (as in the Man of Law’s Tale) represents an extension of the stereotype.