The Canterbury Tales
What is a Squire?
a knight in training
What is a Sergeant at Law? Describe the Sergeant at Law.
an attorney, very successful
Describe the Friar - Identify two things ironic about the Friar.
appears to be a perfect priest but he spends all the money that should go tot he church on women and wine
Describe the Merchant and identify one ironic thing about him.
appears to be a successful businessman but he is really deep in debt
What is a Yeoman?
attends the knight
What kinds of stories does the Miller like to tell?
dirty stories
Describe the Squire - How is he dressed? What things does he do?
dressed in the latest fashion, represents courtly love, he likes to sing, dance, & write poetry
Describe the Nun - How is she dressed? What is her behavior like?
dressed perfectly, well mannered, a little snobbish
Describe the Summoner.
drinks too much, face covered in sores
What game does the Host propose to the pilgrims? What is in it for the Host?
each person on the pilgrimage tells a story and the winner of the best story gets a free meal at the Tabard Inn.
What is a reeve?
estate manager, manages land for nobles
Describe the Wife of Bath's appearance and dress.
she is a large woman with a big hat, red stockings and a gap between her front teeth
Identify something ironic about the nun.
she is more concerned about her appearance and her dogs than ministering to the poor
Describe the Yeoman. How is he dressed? What equipment does he have?
short hair, tanned face, dressed in all green, carrying all equipment, bow, arrows, dagger and sword
Why do you think Chaucer groups five men together?
showing the rise of the middle class
Describe the Reeve.
skinny, smart, lives alone
Describe the Cook.
well fed and a good chief or chef
Where has the Wife of Bath traveled to in the past?
where there are known pilgrimages
What is the Wife of Bath good at doing?
finding a husband, talking about love
What is the setting at the beginning of the story?
south London
How many times has the Wife of Bath been married?
5 times
Provide three images in the beginning of the story that tell the reader the time of year.
April, flowers, birds
What is a parson and a plowman?
a priest, a framer
What is a Franklin? Describe the Franklin.
a wealthy landowner, plenty of food
Why can't the Squire sleep at night?
all he could think about is love and women
Describe the Miller.
ginger, looks like a wrestler, wart on his nose
What is the Pardoner good at doing?
giving a sermon and collecting money from it
Where are the characters going? Why?
going to Canterbury to worship the tomb of Thomas
Is the Knight good or not by the standards of the time? Why or why not?
good knight, fighting for his country and for those less fortunate
What is ironic about the Cook?
he has an ulcer on his leg, probably doesn't wash his hands
What is something ironic about the Doctor?
he is more concerned about gold than healing you
To what does the speaker compare the Summoner? What is Chaucer's point?
he is part of the corruption of the church, into blackmail and bribes
Describe the Oxford Cleric and identify one ironic thing about him.
he is starving but he would rather spend his money on books
How is the Doctor described?
he is well dressed and knowledgeable, determines how to treat you by the zodiac
Describe the Monk. Identify two things ironic about the Monk.
he is well fed but he is not following the vows that he took, spends all his time on hobbies
Describe the Pardoner. Is he a good or bad person? Support your answer an example.
he represents the corruption in the church, he uses the church and religious objects to make money for himself, weird looking guy
Describe the Skipper. What kind of captain is the Skipper?
he was a stern captain who would make his enemies walk the plank
Is there anything ironic about the Knight? If so, what is ironic about him? Explain.
his appearance, yes, he is not a snob in such a high position
Is the Reeve honest or dishonest? Cite a quote to support your answer.
honest, he doesn't allow the tenants to cheat the landowners
What is the Parson's motto? What does it mean?
if gold rust, what will iron do? meaning if the priest is not good, the partioner is not good.
What is a Haberdasher, Dyer, and Weaver?
makes clothing, dyes fabric and makes fabric
What is the difference between a Monk and a Friar?
monk is in a monastery and a friar is a parish priest
Would you go to this Doctor? Why or why not?
ni because of the way he treats illness
Would you eat this Cook's food? Why or why not?
no, he's not very clean
Does the Squire display the same chivalric values as the Knight? Explain.
no, the knight represents chivalry and the squire represents courtly love
Where and when does the Prologue take place?
on a trip to Canterbury during a pilgrimage
What is a manciple?
person in charge of ordering supplies for an institution
What is a miller?
person who grinds grain and makes flour
What is a pardoner?
priest who can give you a pardon to be forgiven for your sins
What is an Oxford Cleric?
student preparing to become an oxford priest
What is a summoner?
summons you to church court for spiritual crimes
Describe the Host and the Tabard. Is the Tabard a place you would like to stay? Why or why not?
the host was a very good tour guide, good leader, peacemaker,
List at least two things the Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker have in common.
they are showing off their wealth by having the finest equipment to take on the trip
Describe the Knight - what about him meets your understanding of a knight and what is unexpected? What knightly qualities does he display or not display?
typical knight following code of chivalry, he doesn't put on airs, dressed in old worn clothing
Is the Plowman a good man or not? Provide examples.
yes he is a good neighbor who would do anything for anyone
Is the Parson a good man or not? Provide examples.
yes he is the best example of a priest
