Author
In which century was Geoffrey Chaucer born?
14th century
What deadly disease hit England in 1348?
The Black Death
Name one of the three main social classes of the time.
Nobility, clergy, or commoners
Which Czech ruler’s reign is considered the “Golden Age” of Bohemia, marked by the flourishing of art, education, and architecture?
Charles IV (Karel IV)
What kind of text is The Canterbury Tales?
A collection of stories told by pilgrims
What is Chaucer often called?
The Father of English Literature
What war was happening between England and France in the 14th century?
The Hundred Years’ War
What was life like for peasants?
Hard labor, few rights, poor living conditions
What major university was founded in Prague in 1348?
Charles University
Where are the pilgrims travelling to?
The shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury
What language did he write in?
Middle English
What was the main religion in England in the 14th century?
Christianity (Catholic Church)
How did the Black Death change society?
It reduced the population, raised wages, and weakened feudalism
What was the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire for a time?
Prague
How many tales did Chaucer complete? (tolerance: 5)
24
What languages did Chaucer know?
English, French, Latin, and Italian
Who was the main English king during Chaucer’s lifetime?
King Edward III (and later Richard II)
What role did women have in society?
Limited rights, mostly domestic roles, dependent on husbands/fathers
What valuable mineral resource made parts of Bohemia economically strong in the 14th century and helped finance major building projects?
silver
What is the framing device of the story?
A storytelling contest during a pilgrimage
What was Chaucer’s occupation besides being a poet?
He worked as a civil servant, diplomat, and royal official.
What major social uprising took place in 1381?
The Peasants’ Revolt
What was the dominant economic system?
Feudalism
What was the connection between Bohemia and England in the 14th century?
Anne of Bohemia married King Richard II of England
Which tale is told by a woman who has had five husbands?
The Wife of Bath’s Tale