Chaucer
What is the name of the location in which Chaucer is buried?
The Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey
What type of narrative is The Prologue?
It is a frame story - it sets the stage for the main narrative which then leads into different narratives (stories within a story).
Who is this pilgrim? Who is he related to?
"A lover and cadet, a lad of fire
With locks as curly as if they had been pressed."
The Squire - He is the Knight's son.
What does the Wife of Bath look like?
Fancy red stockings, gapped teeth, wide hips, large hat, new shoes, somewhat deaf
According to the Pardoner, what is the root of all evil? (CP)
According to the Wife of Bath, what characteristics did all her "good" husbands have? (H)
Greed (CP)
They were all wealthy, older, and easily manipulated.
Who was Chaucer's patron?
John of Gaunt
What is the purpose of The Prologue?
Chaucer (the narrator) is introducing us to the pilgrims going on a pilgrimage together.
What was the name of the Prioress?
Madam Eglantyne
Excluding Chaucer, how many pilgrims are there on this pilgrimage?
29 ("some nine and twenty in a company...")
What is the main conflict within the tale? (BOTH)
The three men are searching for "Death". (CP)
The knight must find the answer to what women truly desire (or be killed). (H)
How many lines had Chaucer penned before his death?
Nearly 20,000 lines
Why are the pilgrims going to Canterbury?
To visit the shrine/grave of St. Thomas Becket, who was a martyr.
What is negative about the Friar?
Money-hungry, wanton (promiscuous), knew the bars well, married off women he got pregnant
How are the Parson and the Plowman similar?
They both have similar positive qualities: Hard-working, devout in their faith, generous, etc.
They are also brothers.
What is ironic about the Pardoner telling this tale? (CP)
How is the tale an example of a medieval romance? (H)
He is preaching that greed is evil, yet he is greedy himself. (CP)
It includes a story of a knight going on a journey with magical elements. He also falls in love by the end. (H)
In which language was The Canterbury Tales originally written?
Middle English
Why are the pilgrims going in the spring time? (2 reasons)
Because it is a time of renewal/rebirth and the weather is nicer (since winter has just ended).
What does the Miller look like?
Big, big-boned, burley, red wart on the end his nose, red beard
What are some negative aspects of the Summoner?
Children are afraid of him, easily bribed, knows secrets and uses them for blackmail, loves to drink
In what way does the description of the Pardoner and his tale reveal how Chaucer felt about these church officials? (CP)
How does the Wife of Bath challenge social expectations of the time in regards to marriage? (H)
It shows us that he did not respect them and saw them as scam artists who only took advantage of the poor. (CP)
She believes women should have as much (if not a little more) power over her husband. (H)
How was Chaucer able to describe people from all different walks of life/social classes in The Prologue?
He had exposure to them throughout his life: being born "middle class", working alongside royalty, and in Parliament.
What is the name of the inn the pilgrims begin their journey at?
The Tabard Inn
What is something positive about the Reeve?
Was excellent at observing and predicting weather patterns (for crops); was a master carpenter
How is the Pardoner the most corrupt pilgrim?
He takes advantage of the poor by selling them fake holy relics. He also uses tactics to scare people into believing that unless they pay him, their sins will not be pardoned and they will go to hell.
In the tale, how do all three men end up dead? (CP)
In the tale, why does the old crone become beautiful and faithful by the end? (H)
The two elder men attack and kill the youngest once he returns with the food and wine. They then drink the wine, which was poisoned by the youngest. (CP)
Because the knight gave her the choice of whether or not she would be beautiful and faithful or ugly and faithful. He gave her the power in the relationship. (H)