Chaucer at a Glance
What is Geoffrey Chaucer often called the Father of?
English poetry
What court position did Chaucer first hold?
Page
Why is Chaucer considered revolutionary?
He wrote literature in English
What frames The Canterbury Tales?
A pilgrimage
What are the three medieval estates?
Nobility, Clergy, Commoners
What is characterization?
How an author develops characters
What is tone?
Author’s attitude
Who introduces the pilgrims?
The narrator
What class was rising?
The middle class
In what month does the Prologue begin?
April
What is a satirical sketch?
A humorous character description
Who is considered the Father of English Poetry?
Geoffrey Chaucer
What season opens the General Prologue?
Spring
What is a pilgrimage?
A religious journey
What is a frame tale?
A story containing multiple stories
When did Geoffrey Chaucer live?
c. 1343–1400
Which noble did Chaucer serve?
John of Gaunt
What three phases define Chaucer’s career?
French, Italian, English
Where are the pilgrims traveling?
Canterbury
Who tells the first tale?
The Knight
What two types does Chaucer use?
Direct and indirect
What is verbal irony?
Saying one thing and meaning another
How is the narrator related to Chaucer?
A fictional version
What institution is criticized?
The Church
What season symbolizes renewal?
Spring
What reveals hypocrisy?
Irony
What language was The Canterbury Tales written in?
Middle English
Spring symbolizes what ideas?
Renewal and rebirth
Where are the pilgrims traveling?
Canterbury Cathedral
What story frames The Canterbury Tales?
The pilgrimage
Where was Chaucer born?
London
What type of missions exposed Chaucer to Europe?
Diplomatic missions
What French work did Chaucer translate?
Roman de la Rose
How many pilgrims are introduced?
Twenty-nine
Who interrupts social order?
The Miller
Which relies on dialogue and action?
Indirect characterization
What is situational irony?
When outcomes contradict expectations
Why is he unreliable?
He is naïve
What weakened feudalism?
The Peasants’ Revolt
What encourages travel?
Renewal of nature
Why are physical traits important?
They reveal character
Chaucer’s occupation outside of writing.
Chaucer’s occupation outside of writing.
What inspires people to travel in spring?
Renewal of nature
Whose shrine are they visiting?
Saint Thomas Becket
Why the frame tale is effective?
Allows many voices
What was Chaucer’s father’s profession?
Master vintner
Name one government job Chaucer held.
Controller of Customs or Clerk of the King’s Works
What Italian poet influenced Chaucer?
Dante or Boccaccio
How many tales were completed?
Twenty-four
What genre critiques society?
Estates satire
Why is Chaucer’s characterization effective?
It blends humor and irony
Why is tone hard to determine?
The narrator is ironic
How does he contribute to satire?
His praise reveals flaws
Which characters are traditional?
Knight, Prioress, Monk
What does spring symbolize?
Rebirth
How does Chaucer judge indirectly?
Through exaggerated praise
Which language most influenced Chaucer’s early writing?
French
How does spring support the pilgrimage theme?
Spiritual awakening
Where do the pilgrims meet?
The Tabard Inn
What allows Chaucer to critique society safely?
Fiction
Where is Chaucer buried?
Westminster Abbey
How did Chaucer’s career affect his writing?
It exposed him to all social classes
What major work precedes Canterbury Tales?
Troilus and Criseyde
What literary form is used?
Frame tale
Why is the work a social microcosm?
It represents all classes
What do pilgrims represent?
Human types and social roles
What does irony expose?
Hypocrisy
What literary effect results?
Irony
Which are nontraditional?
Wife of Bath, Merchant
What contrast is created?
Nature vs. social disorder
What is satire’s goal?
Social correction
Why Chaucer’s use of Middle English was important?
Made literature accessible
Why Chaucer begins with nature?
Sets tone and purpose
Why Chaucer uses a pilgrimage frame.
Unites diverse characters
How the frame reflects medieval society.
Mixed social classes