Anglo-Saxons
Epic poems typically begin in the middle of things, which is described by this Latin phrase.
What is in medias res?
For someone who subscribes to this philosophy, pain = my pain.
What is solipsism?
What is sovereignty over their husbands?
While her real name is Alisoun, this gap-toothed woman is better known by this title.
Who is the Wife of Bath?
Someone who devoutly attends mass every day may be described using this word.
What is pious?
These three Germanic tribes invaded Britain in the 5th century, laying the foundation for the development of the English language.
Who are the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes?
This German philosopher famously opined that "God is dead [...] And we have killed him."
Who is Nietzsche?
As a genre, satire uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize this target.
What is human vices or societal issues?
Although “his sayings were so wise,” this pilgrim “was less busy than he seemed to be.”
Who is the Lawyer?
An overused cliche such as "Roses are red, violets are blue" may be described using this word.
What is hackneyed?
This type of figurative language employs a compound metaphor.
What is a kenning?
Embodying his nihilistic viewpoint, these words are the dragon's advice to Grendel
What is "Seek out gold and sit on it"?
The Pardoner tries to sell these (seemingly fake) holy objects, which were generally physical remains of a saint.
What are relics?
Described as an Epicurean (a pleasure seeker), which pilgrim loved to throw parties with “the finest of the fine” bread and ale?
Who is the Franklin?
There are four prefixes on our list that can mean "not." Name three of them.
What are dis-, in-, non-, and un-?
"The Seafarer" is an an elegy, a poem that typically focuses on this subject.
What is loss?
According to an existentialist like Sartre, this claim describes the belief that human beings are born without a fixed purpose.
What is existence precedes essence?
The pilgrims in the Tales are on a journey to the shrine of this saint, who was a martyred archbishop.
Who is St. Thomas a Becket?
Described as “a wanton one,” this pilgrim was so corrupt as to extract money from even “a widow [who] mightn’t have a shoe.”
Who is the Friar?
Derived from Latin, this word root means "to take" or "to seize."
What is cap?
During Beowulf's final battle with the dragon, this warrior tries to convince the other men to assist Beowulf.
Who is Wiglaf?
Grendel's mother warns him to beware this animal, the symbol of Pisces in the Zodiac.
What is the fish?
Located in Southwark, this inn is the starting place for the pilgrims' journey.
What is the Tabard?
Known as Madam Eglantyne, this pilgrim was concerned with seeming “dignified in all her dealings.”
Who is the Prioress?
A teacher's pet may be described using this word, which means someone who is overly eager to please.
What is obsequious?