Effective Use of Threat in The Merchant's Tale Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Merchant's Tale" uses threat to reinforce many of the themes of the tale and it is present in more than areas than simply January. There are menacing images that add tension to the Tale and the way the Tale is written often reiterates this. The threats are not limited to mere threat, they are evident in ideas such as Januarie's inappropriate search for a wife. The way in which Januarie bases his search for a wife on concern for his own salvation and economic interests is threatening because it is a disturbing image. for the rest of the marriage. His main interest lies in what he must do to ensure he experiences Heaven both alive and dead, thus showcasing his selfish nature. The economic concerns he displays for the match not only highlight this fact, but also his threatening lack of emotion that he is ready to commit to marriage. Rather than a child, he hopes for an heir, seeing only economic opportunities in his offspring. His fiancée can expect little love for herself or her children. The stifling nature of Januarie's so-called love for "freshhe May" means that he is unable to think of anyone else with her. He would like her to be "the soul like the turtle that has lost its tenancy." This extreme emotion only heightens the irony of the ensuing affair and previous biblical references to women cheating on their husbands. The uncertainty caused by the fact that even the Church asks wives to "be lyk Sarra and Rebekke" adds to the worry that little can be trusted. The dramatic irony that accompanies the image of the "hot wex" shows the hidden power of May, of which Januarie knew nothing. He is unaware that she has the same knowledge of the usefulness of hot wax and uses it to copy the key to Damyan's garden. "Wolde Hire Streyne". His plan to be such a physical power in the marriage is stifling. Not only does he want to dominate physically, but his spiritual domination in the relationship is unfair because May's opinions are not considered and she speaks very little..