SPRING Back into Chaucer's Time
Chaucer lived and wrote in this century.
What is the 14th century.
“But what a pity—so it seemed to me,
That he should have an ulcer on his knee.
As for blancmange, he made it with the best.”
Cook
He wore a robe sleeved with "fine gray fur, the finest in the land...[and] a wrought-gold, cunningly fashioned pin."
Monk
This pilgrim, who appears first, is a saintly character, who upholds honor, valor, courage, and piety.
knight
Chaucer uses several techniques. One is the passage length. Give an example of a pilgrim whose passage is is long and full negative details.
Answers will vary.
Chaucer designed his story to include a prologue and his characters to each share tales on the way to Canterbury and back, for a total of _____ per pilgrim.
What is 4: 2 there and 2 on the way back.
“He stayed at home and watched over his fold
So that no wolf should make the sheep miscarry.
He was a shepherd and no mercenary."
Parson
He "had a hollow look, a sober stare; The thread upon his overcoat was bare."
Oxford Cleric
This pilgrim behaves in a most ironic manner, considering his sole job. He excusing sinners he should bring to justice - for a price, of course!
Summoner
Chaucer reveals his opinion by inclusion and omission of detail. Give an example of something he omits to highlight a disapproving opinion.
Answers will vary.
(faith, charity, generosity, other virtues, work ethic)
Chaucer wrote his famous work in this language.
Middle English
It was not fitting with the dignity
Of his position, dealing with a scum
Of wretched lepers; nothing good can come
Of dealings with the slum-and-gutter dwellers,
But only with the rich and victual-sellers.
Friar
"He had a small voice a goat has got. His chin no beard had harbored...I judge he was a gelding or a mare."
Pardoner
This sinner's crimes are more venial. He rejects the traditional ways of his order and indulges in sport, food, and drink. Leisure and living in the world are his priorities.
Monk
Chaucer uses subtle techniques such as verbal irony. Give an example of this.
The pilgrims are traveling to this person's shrine in Canterbury.
The shrine of St. Thomas A Becket.
so [he] had set
His wits to work, none knew he was in debt,
He was so stately in negotiation,
Loan, bargain, and commercial obligation."
Merchant
"Broad, knotty, and short-shouldered, [h]is beard ... was red... His mighty mouth was like a furnace door."
Miller
Though he seems proficient in his practice, his greed motivates him more than human compassion.
Doctor
Chaucer often uses character's physical traits to depict vices. Give two examples of characters whose physical features are intended to reflect a negative trait.
Answers will vary: See Miller, Pardoner, Summoner, Reeve, etc.
The story has an inner and outer story, which is called a __________
frame narrative
"Just like a priest in front; ...He rode the hindmost of our cavalcade"
Reeve
"His face on fire, like a cherubim, for he had carbuncles. His eyes were narrow...Black scabby brows he had and a thin beard."
Summoner
This quiet character appears saintly but could be considered a glutton for knowledge.
Oxford Cleric
Foils are another technique he uses. Name a pair of characters whose descriptions are intended to starkly contrast each other, thereby highlighting one's virtues and one's vices.
Answers will vary.