Medieval Period Test

The Hundred Years War

-Between England and France; began in 1337 -During the reign of Edward the III -Continued on and off for a century -Ended in 1453

Which Pilgrims were Idealized?

-Knight: 2nd Estate -Parson: 1st Estate -Plowman: 3rd Estate This is ironic because there are actually good in each estate.

King Arthur

-Medieval Literature -Many legendary stories written about him -In real life, probably a descendent of a warrior

In what language was the Canterbury Tales Written? Why?

-Middle English -Because the Peasants were the largest estate and had the majority of the people.

St. Thomas Becket

-Pilgrims are traveling to his Shrine -Killed by Knights

King Henry II

-Reformed the judicial system -Set up the jury system -established royal courts -made common law

The Parson

-Social Status: Clergy -Dress: modest/poor -Physical Characteristics: see personality -Personality Traits: Holy, virtuous, hard working church man who disliked extorting tithe (taxes paid to church), gave from the church offerings to the poor, he practices what he preaches -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To help others find salvation. -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? The Parson lives in poverty but is rich in holy thoughts and deeds. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? None, unlike the monk, friar, and pardoner, he is the only the devout churchman.

The Doctor

-Social Status: Middle Class -Dress: Blood-red garments slashed with bluish-gray, lone with taffeta (silk) -Physical Characteristics: see personality traits -Personality Traits: Well spoken, excellent knowledge of middle ages medical tricks And remedies based more on medieval practices like blood-lettingWell connected to local apothecaries who profited like the doctor -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Maybe to make money in case someone gets sick -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? "He did not read the Bible very much." Although physically healthy, the doctor is unhealthy in spirit. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He seemed to be more interested in profiting from people's illnesses than helping people get better.

The Oxford Cleric

-Social Status: Middle Class Student of Philosophy -Dress: "Thread on his overcoat was bare" his close are rags -Physical Characteristics: Slender, hollow look, a sober stare (serious) -Personality Traits: Studious, read a lot, spent all his money on books, not social -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He seeks morality and virtue..."The thought of moral virtue filled his speech" -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Maybe Chaucer is just trying to say that studious types retreated from society -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Whatever money he gets from friends, he spends on books, and he doesn't have a job, but he might become a teacher.

The Man of Law

-Social Status: Middle class lawyer appointed by the King -Dress: Homely parti-colored coat, pin striped belt -Physical Characteristics: Not stated - see personality traits -Personality Traits: Wise, cautious, accurate, knowledgeable in all laws -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To uphold justice -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes, everybody respected him " a man of reverence" -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? None suggested

The Reeve

-Social Status: Middle class steward responsible for running the everyday affairs of a feudal manor -Dress: long overcoat of bluish gray, rusty blade -Physical Characteristics: Old, thin, close shaven, legs like sticks, probably frail -Personality Traits: Feared like the plague by serfs and herdsmen - those beneath him, Knowledgeable in his job -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Perhaps he seeks forgiveness for stealing from his master and creating fear in those who worked for him. -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Probably not since he was cruel and a thief - he rode in the back of the cavalcade -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He grew rich by knowing his job well and stealing from his master

The Knight

-Social Status: Nobility: highest among the pilgrims -Dress: "he possessed fine horses but was not gaily dressed"wore a dark, Fustian tunic (coarse cloth) that had armor stains -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 -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 so many battles all over Europe -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To give thanks to God "to do his pilgrimage and render thanks" -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes, "ever honored for his noble graces" -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? None- he is the ideal of chivalry, honor, and bravery - "the sovereign value in all eyes" "a true, perfect, gentle knight"

The Squire

-Social Status: Ruling class: the son of the knight -Dress: "embroidered like a meadow bright, etc. (dressed in red and white). His gown was short, sleeves long and wide -Physical Characteristics: curly hair, about 20 years old, average height, strong. Physically fit, sings and plays the flute, likes poetry, jousting, horse riding, dancing. -Personality Traits: he fought on behalf of a lady and did well quickly, lover, respectful to his father, hard working and willing to take risks -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Maybe out of respect for this father -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? yes -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? none

The Manciple

-Social Status: Trade Class - provider of provisions for a college or court or monastery -Dress: clothing suitable for a trade class that buys supplies for elite groups -Physical Characteristics: see below -Personality Traits: Uneducated but clever, smarter than the lawyers he feeds -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He serves food to monasteries so perhaps he wants to serve himself with salvation -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes, he is smarter than the elite group he buys food and supplies for -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? none

The Tradesmen (Carpet-maker; Haberdasher Dyer; Carpenter; Weaver)

-Social Status: Trade class - group who appear as a unit -Dress: Stylishly dressed Their gear was trim and fresh, knives wrought with purest silver -Physical Characteristics: Proud men who represented their guild (their group of craftsmen - they are the new emerging middle class -Personality Traits: Seemed like worthy members of a legislative body -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To represent their group of upcoming craftsmen -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? They are the new middle class -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Their wives are eager for their husbands to run for office so they can move up the social ladder.

The Friar

-Social Status: clergy (wealthy) -Dress: had a long hanging hood, white, thick neck, rich cape like a Pope -Physical Characteristics: He sang well and played the hurdy-gurdy stringed instrument and the harp -Personality Traits: "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" -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He is a priest but his intentions are dishonest - to make money off selling blessings -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? No, Chaucer is criticizing the Friar and religious figures like him who are unscrupulous and take advantage of their religious position -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Instead of remaining tied to one monastery, this friar goes from one wealthy landowner to another accepting bribes in exchange for absolution.

The Monk

-Social Status: clergy (wealthy) -Dress: wealthy, fine fur-trimmed robe, gold brooch -Physical Characteristics: bald, fat -Personality Traits: Hunter has greyhounds, and hunting shoes with spurs, personable he eats well he likes to eat -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He is a priest but his mission is probably more self indulgent than spiritual -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? His wealthy clothes do not match his humble vocation. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Instead of devoting his life to work and prayer like most monks of the Middle Ages, he spends his time hunting and eating.

The Prioress(Nun)

-Social Status: clergy (wealthy)- she is a nun -Dress: veil, graceful cloak, jewely (prayer bracelet) that indicates wealth and worldiness -Physical Characteristics: not undergrown, elegant nose, gray eyes, small, red mouth, wide forehead, -Personality Traits: Simple and coy (shy), neat, clean, clingy, helpless. Charitable, sympathetic, sentimental, tender-hearted (too much so) -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? She is a nun so a spiritual trip seems likely -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? "He suggests that her daintiness is too extreme ("her upper lip so clean" being reduced to tears when seeing a mouse in a trap...) -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? She is too delicate

The Summoner

-Social Status: clergy - An official who brings persons accused of violating Church law to court -Dress:He wore a garland on his head - see drawing on page 113 -Physical Characteristics: Has leprosy - disgusting red baby face with pus-filled pimples, narrow eyes, black scabby brows and thin beard -Personality Traits: He is a drunk, lecherous, ill-tempered, smelled of garlic and onions -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Maybe to drink and chase women -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? No, he is not good at his job and takes advantage of his position pretending to know Latin but really only knows a few words -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He drinks too much and is a lecher (womanizer)

The Pardoner

-Social Status: clergy - pardons people's sins for a donation to the church -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 -Physical Characteristics: long, greasy yellow hair, beardless -Personality Traits: Greedy fraud, shifty, keeps money from blessings to himself, Sneaky, untrustworthy, dishonest, he read and sang sermons well -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To make money in exchange for forgiving pilgrims for their sins -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? No, he is a charlatan (fake) -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? 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

The Franklin

-Social Status: middle class - man of leisure -Dress: had a dagger and white purse -Physical Characteristics: White beard, -Personality Traits: Confident, cheerful, lived for pleasure -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To enjoy himself -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? He liked good food, good wine. He kept a buffet of food ready to eat all day. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He was lucky and didn't serve a nobleman, so he was a free man.

Wife of Bath

-Social Status: middle class seamstress -Dress: kerchiefs finely woven, red hose, new shoes -Physical Characteristics: somewhat deaf, red faced but handsome, gapped teeth, large hips -Personality Traits: bold, argumentative, well traveled, professional wife Very social -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Maybe to meet another husband. -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? ""a worthy woman" -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? She was married five times

The Merchant

-Social Status: part of a wealthy trade class of fur traders and cloth -Dress: motley (multi color) dress , wore Flemish beaver hat, daintily buckled boots -Physical Characteristics:forking beard, stately, noble in appearance "high on his horse he sat" -Personality Traits: Expert at currency exchange but personally in debt -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? Perhaps he hopes to sell some of his furs and cloths -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? He doesn't even know his name. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He is supposedly part of the wealthy class but he is actually in debt.

The Skipper

-Social Status: peasant class - a veteran sailor -Dress: Woolen gown that reach his knee, dagger hanging from his neck -Physical Characteristics: Tan, bearded -Personality Traits: A rascal who he steals wine, he is hardy, he is a skilled navigator but ruthless but ruthless with enemies, able to withstand hardship, careful planner -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He is well traveled, so he perhaps he wants to continue his travels... -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? See below -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He steals wine

The Yeoman

-Social Status: peasant class, servant who accompanies the knight and squire -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: head like a nut and brown faced, strong, Knew the whole of woodcraft up and down -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 is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? He is accompanying the knight and squire -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes, "He was a proper forester, I guess." -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? None suggested

The Plowman

-Social Status: peasant, the parson's good-hearted brother -Dress: Wore a loose jacket smock, rode a mare -Physical Characteristics: see above and below -Personality Traits: Honest worker, good and true, loves God and neighbors, helpful to the poor, pays tithes to the church -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To accompany his brother, the parson, to praise God -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes, he is a giver. -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? None, lives a good Christian life.

The Miller

-Social Status: trade class worker who uses equipment to make flour -Dress: Sword and buckler (shield) at his side, wore a blue hood and white coat -Physical Characteristics:Stout - weighed 224 pounds, big, brawny red beard, wart on his nose -Personality Traits: Wrestler, steals grain, a loud, bad storytelling clown, plays bagpipes -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To go against conventional thinking -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? No, he is a brute -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? He is a big mouthed and blasphemous.

Where are they going? Why?

-The Group is going to Canterbury to visit the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket -They are going in hope to find a cure for illness, gain remissions for sin, and out of curiosity

William the Conqueror

-Took full control of England -Powerful and Well-organized -Kept the Domesday Book -Brought Law and Order to the land

Richard III

-Wars of the roses -Lancaster/Yorks -Death ended Medieval Period

Wars of the Roses

-Who Fought: -House of York(White Rose) -House of Lancaster(Red Rose) -Who Won: Lancaster house after Henry Tudor killed Yorkist King Richard III

How many Pilgrims are traveling together?

29

Chivalry

A code of honor intended to govern knightly behavior

Black Plague

A disease that engulfed Europe during the Middle Ages. It killed about one-third of the population and was carried by fleas. Because of this, the feudal system died out.

Feudalism

A political and economic system in which nobles are granted the use of lands that legally belong to their king, in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and protection of the people who live on the land; introduced into England after the Norman Conquest by William The Conqueror

Domesday Book

A record of ALL the property and holdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1066 so he could determine the extent of his lands and wealth

Language and Society of the First Estate:

Church-Latin Language

What will the winner receive?

Dinner at the Tabard inn paid for by all the other Pilgrims

Geoffrey Chaucer

English poet remembered as author of the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400); Demonstrated the potential of English as a Literary Language **Father of English Literature**

Magna Carta

Limited royal authority by granting power to the barons; King John

Language and Society of the Second Estate:

Nobility-French Language

Language and Society of the Third Estate:

Peasants/Commoners- Middle English

Narrator

Social Statues: Third Estate? Personality: Honest/ truthful Courteous/Mannerly Educated Devout

The Host Harry Bailey

Social Status: trade class - the leader of the group Dress: see below -Physical Characteristics: large, striking in appearance, manly, bright eyed -Personality Traits: Loud and merry but quick tempered, bold, tactful, Generous, curious -What is his/her reason in going on this 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 -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? Yes -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? none

The Cook

Social Status: trade class cook -Dress: unknown -Physical Characteristics: sore on leg -Personality Traits: servant to craftsmen, good cook, good sense of taste -What is his/her reason in going on this pilgrimage? To cook for the group of upcoming craftsmen -Does Chaucer approve of this character, or does he indicate that he had failed his faith? He feels sorry for him -What faults might this character have according to Chaucer? Has a sore on his leg

Richard the Lion-Hearted

Spent most of his 10 years reign fighting in the crusades abroad

Which estate was the most Satirized?

The 1st Estate

What idea does the Host have to pass the time while the pilgrims travel to Canterbury?

The Host passes time by having each Pilgrim tell two tales.

Where do the Pilgrims(group) gather?

The group gathers at the Tabard Inn in Southwark

how will the host decide the winner?

The person with most moral value will be the winner

Given what you've learned about the medieval period, why were the pilgrims so grateful about welcoming spring?

The weather is better and they can travel

Frame Story

a literary technique that sometimes serves as a companion piece to a story within a story; A group of pilgrims told this to pass there time to the shrine of Thomas A Becket

Medieval Romance

adventure stories that feature kings, knights, and damsels in distress and tell of quests, battles, and doomed love

satirized

deride and criticize by means of satire.

Geoffery of Monmouth

medieval English chronicler and bishop of St. Asaph (1152), whose major work, the Historia regime Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain), brought the figure of Arthur into European literature.

Idealized

regard or represent as perfect or better than in reality