English 12B- Unit 1: Heroes (The Middle Ages, 400-1500)
The "Wife of Bath's Tale" prologue provides a frame structure for the embedded narrative of her tale. Both stories depict the wife's conviction that individuals must be free to have authority over their own lives. Which part of the embedded narrative most effectively depicts one way the knight exercises his own freedom to choose?
"My lady and my love and wife so dear,I leave to your wise governance the measure;You choose which one would give the fullest pleasureAnd honor to you, and to me as well.I don't care which you do, you best can tell.What you desire is good enough for me."
Which options most effectively explain why Christ, or the Panther, is portrayed as having a "sweet odor" in Physiologus? (Select all that apply.)
"Sweet odor" represents Christ's purity and virtuousness. "Sweet odor" represents the alluring power of faith that people have in Christ.
Which response most clearly explains how to change the noun peril, meaning "danger," to an adjective meaning "dangerous"?
Add the suffix -ous to create the adjective perilous.
Read the scenario. Mariama deleted focused violinist on her online bio and typed avid violinist. She smiled at the improvement. Which response most clearly explains why Mariama may have preferred avid over focused?
Avid has a more enthusiastic, passionate connotation than focused.
Which response most effectively describes the interaction between two central ideas in Beowulf?
Beowulf has an opportunity to return a favor to King Hrothgar by killing Grendel, and if he does, Hrothgar will make him an honored member of his house.
Which lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale" most clearly support the central idea that obeying a knightly code of honor involves facing one's fears?
But now it seemed a foolish thing to throwOne's whole life to the fortune of a blow.True valor breathes not in the braggart vaunt;True honor takes no shame from idle taunt;So let this wizard, if he wants to, scoff;Why should our hero have his head cut off?
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. Fair is he, full brightAnd wonderful of hue. The holy scribesTell us how Joseph's many-colored coat,Gleaming with varying dyes of every shade,Brilliant, resplendent, dazzled all men's eyesThat looked upon it. Which options most effectively explain the implied meaning behind this description of Christ?
Christ radiates a unique and magnificent presence that is unparalleled.
Read the excerpt from Beowulf. No living man,or lief or loath, from your labor direcould you dissuade, from swimming the main.Ocean-tides with your arms ye covered,with strenuous hands the sea-streets measured,swam o'er the waters. Which response most accurately explains how a student who did not know the meaning of dissuade could determine its meaning?
Dissuade has the same root as persuade, which means "to convince," and has the prefix dis-, which means "opposite of."
Lesson 4
Experience Rather Than Authority
Which lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale" most clearly support the inference that Lady Elfinhart has conflicting emotions about encouraging Sir Gawayne to accept the Green Knight's challenge? (Select all that apply.)
Gaily she spoke, and seemed all unconcerned;And yet a curious watcher might have learnedFrom a slight quaver in her laughter freeTo doubt the frankness of her flippancy. She laughed a gay laugh, but by hard constraint:Then turned and hid her face, all pale and faint,As one might be who stabs and turns the knifeIn the warm heart of one more dear than life.
Which excerpt from Beowulf most clearly supports the theme that great leaders honor those who serve them?
Hrothgar to Beowulf, bade him hail,let him wield the wine hall: a word he added:—"Never to any man erst I trusted,since I could heave up hand and shield,this noble Dane-Hall, till now to thee.Have now and hold this house unpeered;remember thy glory; thy might declare;watch for the foe! No wish shall fail theeif thou bidest the battle with bold-won life."
Read the excerpt from Beowulf. Straightway the feud with fee I settled,to the Wylfins sent, o'er watery ridges,treasures olden: oaths he swore me. Which response most effectively explains why King Hrothgar's story supports the theme that one must always honor one's oaths?
Hrothgar's story shows that Beowulf's father owed Hrothgar a debt for helping to settle a feud with the Wylfins, so it is noble that Beowulf has come to kill Grendel.
Read the passage. "Walk two blocks south—" began Megan, but Chantelle cut in. "Actually, it's two blocks north," said Chantelle. "Hey, stop interrupting!" said Megan. "I was interjecting," answered Chantelle. Which response most accurately explains why Chantelle said she was interjecting, rather than interrupting?
Interjecting and interrupting have similar denotations, but interjecting has a more helpful connotation.
Which responses most accurately identify a theme of Beowulf? (Select all that apply.)
It is noble to help others when they are in great need, and doing so may create a special bond Anyone can boast in a time of safety, but only the strongest can live up to those boasts in times of danger
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale." Quoth Elfinhart: "I'd like to see you do it!"She laughed a gay laugh, but by hard constraint:Then turned and hid her face, all pale and faint,As one might be who stabs and turns the knifeIn the warm heart of one more dear than life.She turned and Gawayne saw not; but he heard,And felt his heart-strings tighten at her word."Nay, lady, if you wish it I will try;Be your least wish my will, although I die!Yet one thing, if I may, I fain would ask,Before I make the venture;—if this taskProve fateful as it threatens,—do you care?""Perhaps," said Elfinhart, "you do not dare!"Lightly she laughed, and scoffing tossed her head,Yet spoke as one who knew not what she said,With random words, and with quick-taken breath;Then turned again, ere that same look of deathShould steal upon her and betray her heartDespite all stratagems of woman's art. Which response most accurately describes the mystery behind Lady Elfinhart's motivations?
It remains unclear whether Lady Elfinhart urged Sir Gawayne to accept the Green Knight's challenge because she was attracted to the Green Knight instead of Sir Gawayne, or if she felt that she needed to encourage the cultural norms of chivalry.
Use reference materials to search for the meaning of the word gentility. Which sentence uses the word gentility correctly?
Lady Elizabeth's fine manners were characterized by both gentility and courtesy
Lesson 3
Looking at It in a Different Way
Read the sentence. He claims that he bears no malice toward anyone, but he spent all his energy making everyone's vacation stressful and frustrating. How does the word malice function in the sentence and what does it mean?
Malice functions as a noun, and it means "a desire to cause harm."
Read the sentence. Deep in conversation, Mark and Jesse meandered down the road. Which response most clearly distinguishes the denotative and connotative meanings of the word meandered in this sentence?
Meandered has a denotation of "walked," and has a connotation of relaxation, showing that the boys are more focused on the conversation than on where they are going.
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. Such is the wayOf demons, devils' wiles: to hide their power,And stealthily inveigle heedless men,Inciting them against all worthy deeds,And luring them to seek for help and comfortFrom unsuspected foes, until at lastThey choose a dwelling with the faithless one. Which response most accurately describes how Satan baits his victims, based on this evidence?
Satan deceives his victims by tricking them into blindly believing his lies and following in his path.
Which lines from the "General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales most effectively outline the Wife of Bath's character traits that become most relevant to her story?
She was a worthy woman all her life:At church door with five men she'd been a wife,Not counting all the company of her youth.
Which response most clearly explains why Sir Gawayne volunteered to fight the Green Knight in the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale"?
Sir Gawayne felt it was an honorable thing to do and his jealousy was aroused when the Green Knight winked at Lady Elfinhart and she blushed back at him.
Which options accurately explain how the "General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales sets up the rest of the narrative? (Select all that apply.)
The "General Prologue" functions as a frame narrative for the pilgrims' tales. The "General Prologue" introduces all the characters who will have roles in the pilgrims' tales.
Lesson 2
The Making of a Legend
Re-read "The Partridge" section, in its entirety, from Physiologus. Which option most effectively depicts the symbolic meaning of this section?
The partridge symbolizes the ultimate goal—attainment of heaven—and the many spiritual journeys people undertake to reach it.
Which response most clearly explains how seeing a written story performed as a play will be different from seeing it as an animated movie? (Select all that apply.)
The play will use stage directions and the actors' interpretations to portray the story's events, while the animated movie will depict the same events through drawn or computer-generated images. The play will use human performances and responses from the audience to create a new experience with each performance, while the animated movie will present an identical performance each time it is viewed.
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale." When two hearts meet in a dim solitude,That thrills the soul e'en to the finger-tips,And brings the heart's dear secrets to the lips. Which response most clearly shows how a student could determine the meaning of the word solitude by finding information in reference materials?
The student could use the root sol-, which is also found in solo, to infer that solitude means "state of being alone
Which responses most clearly show how a suffix can be used to change the word tumult into an adjective? (Select all that apply.)
The suffix -ary can be added to create the adjective tumultuary. The suffix -ous can be added to create the adjective tumultuous.
Which response most clearly explains the difference in part of speech between digress and digressions?
The verb digress, meaning "to stray off topic," is changed to the plural noun digressions by the addition of the suffixes -ion and -s.
Read the excerpt from Beowulf. Unferth spake, the son of Ecglaf,who sat at the feet of the Scyldings' lord,unbound the battle-runes.—Beowulf's quest,sturdy seafarer's, sorely galled him;ever he envied that other menshould more achieve in middle-earthof fame under heaven than he himself. Which response most clearly predicts what Unferth will likely do next, based on this evidence?
Unferth will try to embarrass Beowulf because he is jealous of Beowulf's fame.
Read the sentence. "This jacket isn't old; it's vintage!" said Reese. Which response most accurately analyzes the difference between the meanings of vintage and old?
Vintage sounds more desirable and stylish than old.
Which quote from Beowulf most clearly supports the theme that brave warriors never make a claim that they cannot back up with action?
We twain had talked, in time of youth,and made our boast,—we were merely boys,striplings still,—to stake our livesfar at sea: and so we performed it.
Which option most accurately defines framing?
a literary technique that places one story inside another story
Which response most accurately defines the narrative text structure element of flashback?
a scene or memory of the past, presented out of chronological order, that provides background information
Read the sentence and then use a print or digital dictionary to look up the word allusion. The presidential candidate made several literary allusions in her speech, which illustrated her point nicely. Which option provides the most accurate definition for the word allusion?
a short reference to a well-known person, event, or object
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. Fair is he, full brightAnd wonderful of hue. The holy scribesTell us how Joseph's many-colored coat,Gleaming with varying dyes of every shade,Brilliant, resplendent, dazzled all men's eyesThat looked upon it. So the panther's huesShine altogether lovely, marvelous,While each fair color in its beauty glowsEver more rare and charming than the rest. Which response most accurately identifies a literary device used in the reference to "Joseph's many-colored coat"?
allusion
Read the sentence and then use a print or digital thesaurus to look up the word reproof. Although Megan had not dusted the house in weeks, she felt hurt by her mother's sharp reproof regarding her house-cleaning skills. Which synonym most accurately conveys the meaning of reproof?
criticism
In which formats are works of literature most often presented? (Select all that apply.)
prose plays poetry
Read the paragraph. Because Angela had an intense three-week training period for the upcoming dance competition, with only a few hours of sleep here and there, she wholeheartedly welcomed one week of quiet repose in her grandma's secluded cottage. Which context clues most accurately help define the word repose? (Select all that apply.)
quiet secluded
Which options are the names of narrative elements? (Select all that apply.)
tone setting characters
Read the sentence and then use a print or digital thesaurus to look up the word credulous. The credulous audience believed all the magician's tricks were real. Which synonym most accurately conveys the meaning of the word credulous?
trusting
Which response most accurately states the definition of theme?
A story's theme is the central message or universal truth that the author conveys through the characters and plot.
Which response most clearly explains why the queen, Wealhtheow, served Beowulf the mead last?
Beowulf was the guest of honor because he had vowed to kill Grendel.
Lesson 1
Between Paradise and the Nether World
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. The third day Christ arose from out the grave,For three nights having suffered death for us,He, Lord of angels, he in whom aloneIs hope of overcoming. Far and wideThe tidings spread, like perfume fresh and sweet,Through all the world. Which response most accurately infers the meaning of this passage?
Christ's power exceeds the power of death.
Read the scenario. Jackson looked left and right at the intersection. Then he checked both left and right again before driving the car across the street. "You sure are a fastidious driver," Ryan said. Jackson looked right at Ryan. "I prefer meticulous, not fastidious. That's probably why I passed my test the first time and you still don't have a license." Which response most clearly compares the effects of the words fastidious and meticulous in this scenario?
Fastidious makes Jackson sound painstakingly strict, but meticulous makes Jackson sound careful and safe.
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. So, in this fleeting earthly time, each manWho orders heedlessly his mortal lifeLets a sweet odor, some beguiling wish,Entice him, so that in the eyes of God,The King of glory, his iniquitiesMake him abhorrent. Which words from the text most effectively help indicate the meaning of the word iniquities as it is used in this passage? (Select all that apply.)
Make him abhorrent beguiling wish
In the "Wife of Bath's Tale," the knight encounters difficulties as he attempts to complete the task assigned by the queen. Which excerpts most accurately show the conflicts he encounters? (Select all that apply.)
Some said that women all love riches best,While some said honor, others jolly zest,Some rich array; some said delights in bed,And many said to be a widow wed;Some others said that our hearts are most easedWhen we are flattered and when we are pleased ... He sought in every house and every placeIn hopes he could secure the promised graceBy learning that which women love the most.But he did not arrive at any coastWhere he could find two people on the matterWho might agree, if judging by their chatter.
Read the excerpt from Beowulf. Joyous then was the Jewel-giver,hoar-haired, war-brave; help awaitedthe Bright-Danes' prince, from Beowulf hearing,folk's good shepherd, such firm resolve.Then was laughter of liegemen loud resoundingwith winsome words. Which line from Beowulf's story most clearly provides a context clue that can help define the word winsome?
Then was laughter of liegemen loud resounding
Which option provides an accurate definition of the term explicit?
directly stated
Which lines from the "Wife of Bath's Tale" most effectively reveal the climax of the story?
"Choose now," she said, "one of these two: that IBe old and ugly till the day I die,And be to you a true and humble wife,One never to displease you all your life;Or if you'd rather, have me young and fair,And take your chance on those who will repairTo your house now and then because of me(Or to some other place, it may well be).Choose for yourself the one you'd rather try."
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. Then when the crafty fiend perceives that men,Encamped upon him, making their abode,Enjoy the gentle weather, suddenlyUnder the salty waves he plunges down,Straight to the bottom deep he drags his prey;He, guest of ocean, in his watery hauntsDrowns ships and men, and fast imprisons themWithin the halls of death. Which options most accurately explain the implicit meaning of this passage? (Select all that apply.)
0.25 of 1 The seamen are oblivious and do not have a good understanding of Satan's powers and schemes. Thus, they are unknowingly putting themselves in danger because they want to rest and enjoy the beautiful landscape. xxx Satan invites the seamen by providing them with any riches they can wish for. However, these are not enough for the greedy seamen and Satan has to take extra measures to ensure their cooperation and willingness to follow him into hell.
Read the passage. Anthony sprinted from the parking lot, tightening his tie as he ran. Here he was, about to have his first job interview, and he was late! He pushed open the door and almost dashed through. However, he saw a man appear at the corner. The man had white hair and was walking with a cane. Anthony knew the seconds were ticking by, and he was getting later and later, but he felt bad thinking of letting the door close before the man reached it. Trying not to check his watch, he opened the door wide and waited while the man walked slowly through. Anthony speed-walked through the office, around a corner, and toward the receptionist. She smiled when he introduced himself and said, "Welcome. Your interviewer, Mr. Bryce, is a few minutes late himself. He should be here in a moment." Just then, the white-haired man walked around the corner. The receptionist said, "Oh, good morning, Mr. Bryce!" Mr. Bryce smiled at her and said to Anthony, "You must be Anthony. I noticed you were so considerate earlier, when you held the door for me. You're certainly making a good first impression. Let's begin your interview." Which responses most effectively identify a theme of this short story? (Select all that apply.)
A theme of this short story is that if you put people's needs ahead of your own, others will take notice and will respect you for your compassionate behavior. A theme of this short story is that you should always choose to behave with courtesy because you never know how someone you encounter might be involved in your future.
Read the passage. The bell rang, and Jordan and Moira left Social Studies together. "Ms. Murray asked you so many questions today in her lecture!" said Jordan. "Asked? She interrogated me about the Constitutional Convention!" exclaimed Moira. Which response most clearly explains why Moira said that Ms. Murray interrogated her?
Interrogated has an intense, scary connotation that shows that Moira felt nervous as she answered the questions.
Which lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale" most clearly depict a serene setting that contrasts with the story's main action? (Select all that apply.)
Now daylight faded, and the twilight gloomDeepened the stillness in the vaulted room,Save where upon the hearth a fitful glowBlushed from the embers as the fire burned low. For all the Table Round were back again,At peace with God and with their fellow-men.Their shields hung idly on the pictured wall;Their blood-stained banners decked the festal hall.
Which response most clearly explains the purpose of pacing within a work of fiction?
Pacing allows the author to speed up or slow down the narrative, which helps direct the reader's attention to certain elements of the plot and create suspense.
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale," in which Sir Gawayne volunteers to fight the Green Knight in King Arthur's place. ...Gawayne knelt down on the floor."A boon," he cried, "a boon, my lord and king!If ever yet in any little thingThese hands have served thee, hear my last request:Let me adventure this mad monster's jest!"King Arthur shook his head in dumb denial,Loth to withdraw his own hand from the trial,And leave the vengeance that himself had vowed;But all the people called to him aloud,"Sir Gawayne! let Sir Gawayne strike the blow!"And Guinevere, the queen, besought him lowTo leave this venture to the lesser man.He yielded, and the merry jest began. Read the lines from the short story "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Middle-English Arthurian Romance," which describe the same scene. "... I am the weakest, I wot, and the feeblest of wit, and it will be the less loss of my life if ye seek sooth. For save that ye are mine uncle naught is there in me to praise, no virtue is there in my body save your blood, and since this challenge is such folly that it beseems ye not to take it, and I have asked it from ye first, let it fall to me, and if I bear myself ungallantly then let all this court blame me." Which option most effectively contrasts how Sir Gawayne is characterized in the poem versus in the short story?
Sir Gawayne's speech in the poem portrays him as a victim of fate and the actions of others, while the short story shows that he is a humble, self-sacrificing character.
Which excerpts from Physiologus most effectively support the portrayal of Satan's dwelling as having a monstrous and menacing atmosphere? (Select all that apply.)
Straight to the bottom deep he drags his prey;He, guest of ocean, in his watery hauntsDrowns ships and men, and fast imprisons themWithin the halls of death. Donning the mystic helmOf darkness, with his prey he speeds to hell,The place devoid of good—all misty gloom,Where broods a sullen lake, black, bottomless.
Which excerpts from Physiologus most effectively support the implied message that people often stray from the virtuous path because they give in to earthly temptations? (Select all that apply.)
Such is the wayOf demons, devils' wiles: to hide their power,And stealthily inveigle heedless men,Inciting them against all worthy deeds,And luring them to seek for help and comfortFrom unsuspected foes, until at lastThey choose a dwelling with the faithless one. There she sits,Warming a stranger brood, until at lastThe eggs are hatched. But when the stolen chicksAre fledged, they straightway fly away to seekTheir proper kin, and leave the partridge thereForsaken. In such wise the devil worksTo steal the souls of those whose youthful mindsOr foolish hearts in vain resist his wiles.
Read the stanza from Pablo Neruda's poem "Don't Go Far Off." Don't leave me, even for an hour, because then the little drops of anguish will all run together, the smoke that roams looking for a home will drift into me, choking my lost heart. Which option most effectively explains the implicit meaning of this stanza?
The speaker is deeply in love and feels as though his lover's potential absence will cause him pain and suffering.
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale," where Sir Gawayne steps forward to take the Green Knight's challenge. And Gawayne rubbed his arms, his chest he beat,Then grasped the battle-axe and braced his feet,And swung the ponderous weapon high in air,And brought it down like lightning, fair and squareUpon the stranger's neck. The axe flashed through,Cutting the Green Knight cleanly right in two,And split the hard stone floor like kindling wood.The head dropped off; out gushed the thick, hot bloodLike—I can't find the simile I want,But let us say a flood of crême de menthe!And then the warriors standing round aboutSent up from fifty throats a mighty shout,As when o'er blood-sprent fields the long cheers rollCacophonous, for him who kicks a goal. Read the prose excerpt from "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Middle-English Arthurian Romance," which describes the same scene. Gawain gripped his axe and raised it on high, the left foot he set forward on the floor, and let the blow fall lightly on the bare neck. The sharp edge of the blade sundered the bones, smote through the neck, and clave it in two, so that the edge of the steel bit on the ground, and the fair head fell to the earth that many struck it with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood spurted forth, and glistened on the green raiment. ... Which responses effectively contrast the tone in the excerpts? (Select all that apply.)
The tone in the poem is more humorous, as Sir Gawayne dramatically beats his chest like an animal and the Green Knight's blood is compared to a mint liqueur. This contrasts with the tone of the prose, which is more intense, providing details about the blade going through bones and a head falling to the ground. The tone in the poem is more casual, as the crowd cheers as if they are at a sporting event. This contrasts with the tone of the prose, which is more serious, as there is blood spurting on the floor.
Which response best explains how affixes change the word cacophonous to another part of speech?
Replacing the suffix -ous with the suffix -y creates the noun cacophony.
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale." Just in the nick of time, King Arthur roseFrom his sedate post-prandial repose,And called for lights. Which response most clearly evaluates the effect of the word sedate in the poem, as opposed to a synonym like sober?
Sedate means that the king is resting, untroubled and calm, while sober would make him sound serious or grim.
In the "Wife of Bath's Tale" prologue, she claims that her education is derived from her marriages rather than conventional schooling. Which lines from her story most effectively suggest that the Wife of Bath may have more knowledge and worldly experience than she claims? (Select all that apply.)
She'd journeyed to Jerusalem three times;Strange rivers she had crossed in foreign climes;She'd been to Rome and also to Boulogne,To Galicia for Saint James and to Cologne,And she knew much of wandering by the way. "For nobleness, as says Valerius,Consider Tullius Hostilius:Though poor, he rose to noble heights. Look inBoethius or Seneca, and whenYou do, don't doubt the truth of what you read:The noble is the man of noble deed." "How well the poet wise, the FlorentineNamed Dante, speaks about just what I mean,And this is how he rhymes it in his story:'Of men who climb their family trees for glory,Few will excel, for it is by God's graceWe gain nobility and not by race.'"
Which event from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale" most clearly foreshadows what Sir Gawayne's fate would be in one year?
The Green Knight picked his head up and remained alive despite the axe's blow.
Read the lines from the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale." Not so Sir Gawayne. Vexed in mind he stoodWith downcast eyes, and knew not what he would.Trained in the school of chivalry to prizeHis honor as the light of his dear eyes,He held his life, his fortunes, everything,In sacred trust for knighthood and his king,And in the battle-field or tilting-yardHe met his foe full-fronted, and struck hard.But now it seemed a foolish thing to throwOne's whole life to the fortune of a blow.True valor breathes not in the braggart vaunt;True honor takes no shame from idle taunt;So let this wizard, if he wants to, scoff;Why should our hero have his head cut off? Which response most clearly explains the use and impact of pacing in this part of the story?
The author slows the pace by describing Sir Gawayne's thoughts in detail, which reveals his personality and makes him a sympathetic character to the reader.
Read the passage. "I am a realist, and if elected student body president, I will keep my promises to you," Ellyse said to the students in the auditorium. "So I won't tell you that we'll get a new soccer field, like my opponent said, because that's impossible. But if you vote for me, I will establish a monthly student-teacher school culture committee. That's the truth." Which response most accurately distinguishes between the denotative and connotative meanings of the word realist?
The denotation of realist is "someone who understands the world accurately," and the connotation is that she is reliable and effective.
Which response most accurately describes the impact of the lengthy, detailed description of the Green Knight in the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale"?
The description grabs the reader's attention by showing how extraordinary the Green Knight looked and creates an expectation that he will do something mysterious and fascinating.
Read the passage from the "General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales. Each one of you, to pass the time of day,Shall tell two tales while you are on the wayTo Canterbury; then each one of youOn the return shall tell another two,About adventures said once to befall.And he who bears himself the best of all—That is to say, the one who's judged to tellThe tales that in both aim and wit excel--Shall win a supper paid for by the lot,Here in this place, right at this very spot,When we return again from Canterbury. Which option best explains the function of the tale-telling game in The Canterbury Tales?
The game frames the narrative and creates a purpose and motivation for each character to tell his or her story.
In the "Wife of Bath's Tale," the old woman reminds the knight that he promised to grant any request she made. Read the excerpt in which the knight replies. "My love?" he said. "No, rather my damnation!Alas! that there is any of my nationWho ever could so foully be disgraced."But all for naught, the end was that he facedConstrainment, for he now would have to wedAnd take his gray old wife with him to bed. Based on this excerpt, which option most effectively explains how the knight's character influences the decision he must make?
The knight is a man of honor, and thus must fulfill the oath he made to the old woman.
Read the excerpt from the "Wife of Bath's Tale" in which she relates the story of a knight who has committed a criminal offense, and his punishment by the queen. King Arthur spared him for at least a space;He left him to the queen to do her will,To choose to save or order them to kill. The queen then thanked the king with all her might,And after this the queen spoke with the knightWhen she saw opportunity one day."For you," she said, "things stand in such a wayYou can't be sure if you're to live or not.I'll grant you life if you can tell me whatIt is that women most desire. BewareThe iron ax, your neckbone now to spare!And if you cannot tell me right away,I'll give you leave, a twelvemonth and a day,That you may go to seek, that you might findAn answer that is of sufficient kind." Which options best explain the relationship between the narrator and her story? (Select all that apply.)
The narrator's motivation, like the queen's, is to educate men about women. The narrator believes men should allow women the freedom to make choices.
Which response most clearly explains the impact of rhyme in the poem "Gawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy Tale," as compared to unrhymed prose in the short story "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Middle-English Arthurian Romance"?
The rhyme creates a sing-song effect that adds to the lightheartedness of the poem and contrasts with the seriousness of the short story.
Read the sentence. The English teacher surprised everyone by inviting a renowned guest speaker—who has several patents of her own and who wrote a book about protecting patenting rights—to give a speech during the school's career readiness week. What is the meaning of the word renowned as it is used in the sentence?
famous
Read the paragraph. Upon visiting Croatia, Anabelle was impressed with its bountiful natural resources. She had a relaxing time on its multiple beautiful beaches and ate copious amounts of fresh produce from its fertile fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Which words used in this paragraph are evidence that provides context clues that help define the word bountiful? (Select all that apply.)
fertile copious multiple
Read the excerpt from Physiologus. The partridge lays no eggs,Nor builds a dwelling; but instead, she stealsThe well-wrought nests of others. There she sits,Warming a stranger brood, until at lastThe eggs are hatched. But when the stolen chicksAre fledged, they straightway fly away to seekTheir proper kin, and leave the partridge thereForsaken. In such wise the devil worksTo steal the souls of those whose youthful mindsOr foolish hearts in vain resist his wiles.But when they reach maturer age, they seeThey are true children of the Lord of lords.Then they desert the lying fiend, and seekTheir rightful Father, who with open armsReceives them, as he long since promised them. Which option most accurately states an inference that can be made about the story of the "stolen chicks"?
Though people often stray from God and are tricked by Satan, they can always turn back from a life of sin to a life with "Their rightful Father."
Read the sentences. Lisa coveted the beautiful diamond bracelet that her aunt always wore. She was delighted when her aunt finally gave it to her and she could call it her own. Which options are effective vocabulary strategies for determining the meaning of the word covet? (Select all that apply.)
Using context clues like beautiful and delighted helps to define covet as desiring to possess something others have. Using a dictionary helps to define covet as desiring to possess something others have.
Read the sentence and then use a dictionary to look up the word negligence. The driver who caused the accident was accused of negligence because he was texting while driving. Which word most accurately conveys the meaning of negligence?
carelessness
Read the paragraph. Today, when Julie walked by one of the houses in her neighborhood, she was furious and heartbroken because she saw five dogs bound in fetters in a backyard, and it was 115 degrees outside. She immediately called the Humane Society and reported this animal cruelty. What evidence from this paragraph provides context clues that help define the word fetters? (Select all that apply.)
five dogs bound animal cruelty
Read the excerpt from the "General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales and then use a print or digital dictionary to look up the word matins. Our Host there checked his horse and said to all:"My lords, now listen, if you will. RecallThe pact, as I remind you, made with me.If evensong and matins both agree,Let's see now who shall tell us the first tale." Which option provides the most accurate definition for the word matins?
morning prayer
Read the lines from the "General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales in which a wide variety of occupations and social rankings is represented by the group of pilgrims. There with us was a KNIGHT, a worthy manWho, from the very first time he beganTo ride about, loved honor, chivalry,The spirit of giving, truth and courtesy.He was a valiant warrior for his lord;No man had ridden farther with the swordThrough Christendom and lands of heathen creeds,And always he was praised for worthy deeds. ... He found the highest favor in all eyes,A valiant warrior who was also wiseAnd in deportment meek as any maid.He never spoke unkindly, never playedThe villain's part, but always did the right.He truly was a perfect, gentle knight. ... He helped win Alexandria in the East,And often sat at table's head to feastwith knights of all the nations when in Prussia.In Lithuania as well as RussiaNo other noble Christian fought so well. Based on the excerpt provided, which option most accurately categorizes the knight's social class?
the aristocrats, or upper class
Read the sentence. After she gave the lecture on molecular geometry, Dr. Jones realized that she would have to expound on the subject at greater length because the students looked confused and gave blank stares when she asked if there were any questions. What is the meaning of the word expound as it is used in the sentence?
to explain in detail
Read the excerpt from Beowulf. We twain had talked, in time of youth,and made our boast,—we merely boys,striplings still,—to stake our livesfar at sea: and so we performed it. Which phrases from the excerpt most effectively indicate the meaning of striplings? (Select all that apply.)
we merely boys in time of youth
