Question

Which line in this excerpt from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales contradicts the claim made in the third line that the prioress speaks fluent French?
Her greatest oath was but By Saint Eloy!
And she was known as Madam Eglantine…
And fair she spoke her French, and fluently,
After the school of Stratford-at-the-Bow,
For French of Paris was not hers to know.
At table she had been well taught withal,
And never from her lips let morsels fall,…

Answer 1

From Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales excerpt that contradicts the claim made in the third line that the prioress speaks fluent French is "For French of Paris was not hers to know."

In the General prologue, Chaucer satirizes several characters from various classes and professions. Beginning with the highest class to lower. The first character whom Chaucer introduces is the Prioress who is a nun. She is the first among the female to be described, the first question that evokes in the reader's mind is that such higher religious clergy doesn't take a vow of leading a simple life? Hence, Chaucer satirizes the church, as the members of the church belonged from the upper class. The prioress took advantage from the poor for her own good. She was very well 'dainty' and was well-dressed. Being known as "Madame Eglantyne", she was so pretentious that she hardly knew any words of French.

Answer 2

He states that she did not speak French such as those from Paris, but rather her own version of French, whichever that may be.