Canterbury Tales

What happens to the old man?

The old man can be "death" itself or a representation of death as he sends the three young men, who are looking for death, to an Oak tree where they find treasure and, ultimately, die. In other words, he sends them to a place where they find death or death finds them. One of the "rioters" calls him the death's spy.

How many tales were the pilgrims expected to share?

The original intent was that each pilgrim was to tell two tales to Canterbury and two on the way back

Why did Chaucer write the Prologue?

The purpose of the "The General Prologue" is to introduce the characters and show the variety of people, trades, and social classes of this time period. There are pilgrims from the noble class (Knight and Squire), some from the middle class (Merchant, Wife of Bath, Shipman), and some from the clergy.

What are the reasons the knight gives the old woman as to why he is not very enthusiastic about her?

The real reason is because of the Hag's appearance. She is so ugly to him. Also because she is low-class.

What about the 3 men searching for death?

The three men find death in the end; however, this is ironic because they think they can cheat death. They get distracted by their own greed of gold and that leads to death.

friar: personality

"Glib with gallant phrase and well turned speech" (He is very Persuasive at talking women and wealthy landowners into giving him money in exchange for listening to confessions "an easy man in penance giving"

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Wife of Bath)

"a worthy woman"

Dress (Squire)

"embroidered like a meadow bright, etc. (dressed in red and white) His gown was short, sleeves long and wide

What does the knight dress like?

"he possessed fine horses but was not gaily dressed" wore a dark, Fustian tunic (coarse cloth) that had armor stains

Pardoner's dress

Carries a bag full of fake religious relics, no hood but a little cap on head Bulging eyeballs, has cross on his wallet pilgrim medal on hat

Merchant personality traits

Expert at currency exchange but personally in debt

Pardoner's Personality

Greedy fraud, shifty, keeps money from blessings to himself, Sneaky, untrustworthy, dishonest, he read and sang sermons well

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Merchant)

He doesn't even know his name.

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Friar

He is a priest but his intentions are dishonest - to make money off selling blessings

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Monk)

He is a priest but his mission is probably more self indulgent than spiritual

Yeomen reason for pilgrimage

He is accompanying the knight and squire

What is the Knight's physical characteristics?

He is strong because he has endured many battles. He is middle aged because he has a 20 year old son, the squire

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Merchant)

He is supposedly part of the wealthy class but he is actually in debt.

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Pardoner)

He rides with the summoner who also takes advantage of his position; the cross on his wallet symbolizes how he uses the church to line his pockets

Friar characteristics

He sang well and played the hurdy-gurdy stringed instrument and the harp

What information does the Pardoner give in his prologue?

He tells the company about his occupation—a combination of itinerant preaching and selling promises of salvation. His sermon topic always remains the same: Radix malorum est Cupiditas, or "greed is the root of all evil. The Pardoner admits that he preaches solely to get money, not to correct sin. He argues that many sermons are the product of evil intentions. By preaching, the Pardoner can get back at anyone who has offended him or his brethren.

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Monk)

His wealthy clothes do not match his humble vocation.

Monk personality traits

Hunter has greyhounds, and hunting shoes with spurs, personable, he eats well and he likes to eat

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Monk)

Instead of devoting his life to work and prayer like most monks of the Middle Ages, he spends his time hunting and eating.

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Friar

Instead of remaining tied to one monastery, this friar goes from one wealthy landowner to another accepting bribes in exchange for absolution.

The queen asks the king to let her decide the knight's fate. What is the deal she offers the knight and what does she ask him to find out?

Instead, she wants the knight to find out what it is that women want. She gives him a year and a day to go on a quest to determine what it is that women most desire.

Host or Henry Bailey personality

Loud and merry but quick tempered, bold, tactful, Generous, curious

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Squire)

Maybe out of respect for this father

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Wife of Bath)

Maybe to meet another husband.

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Friar

No, Chaucer is criticizing the Friar and religious figures like him who are unscrupulous and take advantage of their religious position

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Pardoner)

No, he is a charlatan (fake)

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Squire)

None

What faults does the Yeomen have according to Chaucer?

None suggested

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Knight)

None- he is the ideal of chivalry, honor, and bravery - "the sovereign value in all eyes" "a true, perfect, gentle knight"

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Merchant)

Perhaps he hopes to sell some of his furs and cloths

What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? (Wife of Bath)

She was married five times

What is the other deal the knight made with the old woman?

The Knight has to marry the old woman

Yeomen personality

The artist rendition on page 100 suggests the yeoman is ready for any occurrence in the forest, such as hunting game or defense against highwayman attack. He looks sturdy and serious and like Robin Hood.

What happens during the Pardoner's actual tale?

Three rioters hear that one of their friends was killed by the name of death. In a drunken state, they ran out to avenge their friend's life. Outside, they run into an old man who has a look of sorrow on his face. The old man told them where they can find death in grove by an oak tree; however, the men do not find death but eight bushels of gold. They decide to split their wealth among each other. The three rioters do not want to look as thieves so they spend the youngest one into town to get wine and bread. While he is gone they plan to stab to get larger shares of money. The young one plans to poison the two men by putting in their wine. In the end, the men kill the young one. They die from the poisoned wine

Host or Henry Bailey reason for pilgrimage

To accompany the pilgrims on their journey and select the one who tells the best story who will be rewarded with a free supper

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Knight)

To give thanks to God "to do his pilgrimage and render thanks"

What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? (Pardoner)

To make money in exchange for forgiving pilgrims for their sins

What is the choice the old woman gives the knight?

Would young and beautiful, unfaithful or old and faithful?

Host or Henry Bailey: Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith?

Yes

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Yeomen)

Yes, "He was a proper forester, I guess."

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Knight)

Yes, "ever honored for his noble graces"

Monk - Characteristics

bald, fat

Wife of Bath Personality Traits:

bold, argumentative, well traveled, professional wife Very social

Friar social status

clergy

Pardoner social class

clergy - pardons people's sins for a donation to the church

Monk Social Status

clergy or wealthy

Yeomen dress

coat and hood of green with peacock-feather arrows at his belt, held a bow, sword, and dagger - also a hunting horn, Wore saucy bracelet as shield guard from the bow and sword along with St. Christopher's medal

Physical Characteristics (Squire)

curly hair, about 20 years old, average height, strong, Physically fit, sings and plays the flute, likes poetry, jousting, horse riding, dancing

who did the old man represent

death itself and he was leading the men to their deaths

Merchant characteristics

forking beard, stately, noble in appearance "high on his horse he sat"

And what is the reaction of the old woman?

gave the woman what she most desired, the authority to choose for herself, she becomes both beautiful and good.

What is the moral of the Pardoner's tale?

greed is the root of all evil

Friar Dress

had a long hanging hood, white, thick neck, rich cape like a Pope

Personality traits (Squire)

he fought on behalf of a lady and did well quickly, lover, respectful to his father, hard working and willing to take risks

How does he feel about the deal after he realizes he must comply to the terms?

he hates that he has to marry an old, ugly woman and begrudges it

When the knight returns to the queen, what does he say the answer to her question is and from whom did he learn the answer?

he knight answers that what women really want is power over men and equality in a relationship

Why is the knight sent before (sent to be judged by) the king?

he raped a young girl and take her virginity

How does the knight respond

he replies that he would rather trust her judgment, and he asks her to choose whatever she thinks best.

Yeomen physical characteristics

head like a nut and brown faced, strong knew the whole of woodcraft up and down

What is the knight's social status?

highest among the pilgrims attending

wife of bath dress

kerchiefs finely woven, red hose, new shoes

Host or Henry Bailey characteristics

large, striking in appearance, manly, bright eyed

Pardoner's characteristics

long, greasy yellow hair, beardless

wife of bath social status

middle class seamstress

Merchant dress

motley (multi color) dress , wore Flemish beaver hat, daintily buckled boots

Host or Henry Bailey: What faults might this character have according to Chaucer?

none

Merchant - Social Status

part of a wealthy trade class of fur traders and cloth

Yeomen: Social Status

peasant class, servant who accompanies the knight and squire

Wife of Bath - characteristics

somewhat deaf, red faced but handsome, gapped teeth, large hips

Social Status (Squire)

the son of the knight

Host or Henry Bailey social status

trade class - the leader of the group

Monk Dress

wealthy, fine fur-trimmed robe, gold brooch

What are the Knight's personality traits?

wise, modest, distinguished, chivalrous, truthful, honorable, generous, courteous, brave loves action and adventure, believes in the ideals of chivalry, he must be an excellent fighter to have survived many battles in Europe

Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? (Squire)

yes