Question

3. What do the parables in "The Monk's Tale" tell us about the intentions of Chaucer?

Answer 1

Parables in "The Monk's Tale":

‘The Monk’s Tale’ is a collection of tragedies derived from various sources including Biblical and historical and also memory and folklore besides others, through which Chaucer wants to bring forth the idea that prosperity is not everlasting.

One should not trust in prosperity as it belies faith. Through these parables Chaucer wants to convey the message that fortune may change as it is  changing frequently.  The monk offers the first ever known meaning of a tragedy.