Canterbury Tales Review - Prologue and The Pardoner's Tale

greedy, selfish

How did Chaucer characterize many in the clergy class?

with contempt

How do the rioters treat the old man when they first meet him?

stab the other rioter upon his return

How do the two rioters decide to increase their share of the gold?

two going there and two coming back

How many tales will each pilgrim tell on the journey?

stern and judgmental

How would you describe the narrator in the Prologue?

greedy and rough

How would you describe the three rioters?

irony

In "The Pardoner's Tale" the three rioters are sure that they can destroy Death, and yet they fail to see that they are falling into his trap. This is an example of _____.

Which two characters were most admired?

Parson & Knight

She is selfish and arrogant

What do the following lines suggest about the woman from Bath? "In all the parish not a dame dared stir / Towards the altar steps in front of her"

to kill their friend when he returns

What do the two rioters decide to do after they send their friend for food and wine?

The Friar helps people when he can make money doing it.

What does the narrator mean in the Prologue when he says the following about the Friar?

to create a setting for story telling

What is Chaucer's main reason for writing about the pilgrimage in the Prologue?

A rhymed pair of lines of poetry

What is a couplet?

They later plot to kill one another to get a larger share of the gold

What is ironic about the pledge the rioters make in these lines of "The Pardoner's Tale"? "They made their bargain, swore with appetite. / These three, to live and die for one another / As brother-born might swear to his born brother."

He is very greedy

What is the irony in the Pardoner's preaching?

greed is the source of all evil

What is the moral of this story?

Indirect/direct characterization

What technique does Chaucer use to reveal his characters?

the great variety in human nature

What theme does Chaucer convey in the Prologue?

to the cathedral in Canterbury

Where are the pilgrims going and why?

greed

Which character trait leads to the downfall of the three rioters in "The Pardoner's Tale"?

greed and treachery

Which character(s) parallel the pardoner?

death

Who are the rioters looking for?

the three rioters

Who is the real traitor in "The Pardoner's Tale"?

the host

Whom do the pilgrims accept as their leader?

a contest

Why do the pilgrims agree to the storytelling?

satirical

Chaucer's characterizations of the prioress, the Monk, and others connected with the Church is mainly:

He uses it as an exemplum in sermon designed to get listeners to part with their money.

For what reason does the Pardoner usually tell "The Pardoner's Tale"?