Canterbury Tales Background
Who is the author of The Canterbury Tale?
Geoffrey Chaucer
What is the main moral lesson of The Pardoner's Tale?
Greed is the root of evil.
What happened to the elves/fairies according to the Wife of Bath?
The Friars prayed them away.
What is the primary conflict presented in The Friar's Tale?
The primary conflict in The Friar's Tale is the corrupt summoner's struggle with the devil, who ultimately takes the summoner to hell.
What animal is the main character in The Nun's Priest's Tale, and what is his name?
A rooster, named Chanticleer.
What is a Frame Story?
A story within a story.
What are the three rioters searching for in the Pardoner's Tale? Did they find it?
They were searching for death, and they did find it.
How many husbands has the Wife of Bath had?
5 husbands
Who is referred to as the “false thief?” Why is this title fitting?
The Summoner is referred to as the "false thief". This title is fitting because he is depicted as using his position within the Church to exploit and defraud people, essentially stealing from them in a deceptive manner
What is the central conflict in The Nun's Priest's Tale?
The central conflict in The Nun's Priest's Tale is between the proud rooster, Chanticleer, and the cunning fox, who uses flattery to deceive and capture him.
How many total tales are in The Canterbury Tales?
24
Describe the irony present in The Pardoner's Tale.
The Pardoner was a greedy person teaching others not to be greedy.
What sin did the knight commit and what deal does the Queen make with the knight?
Rape and to escape execution, the Queen demands that the knight answer: "What do women most desire?" He is given a year and a day to find the answer.
How much money does the summoner ask of the old hag? How does she respond? What is the effect of her response?
He asks her for 12 pence. She responds by saying that her power is greater than money. This reveals that she can expose his corruption.
How does The Nun's Priest's Tale incorporate elements of fable?
It is a short story that teaches a lesson using animals that act like humans.
What are the two types of Satire, and what is the difference between the two?
Juvenalian (Serious and Critical) and Horatian (Light and Funny)
What is the plot of the story? Include all key points.
Three rioters set out to find death. The old man told them they could find it under the tree. The rioters found gold under the tree. Their greed got the best of them, and they all wanted the money for themselves. They ended up killing each other over money.
What was the overall plot of the story? Cover all the main points.
Answers may vary.
What is Chaucer trying to reveal about religious leaders in this tale?
He is trying to show that they are hypocritical and corrupt.
There are several themes present is this tale. What is one of themes?
Answers may vary.
Examples: Don't believe everything you hear, Don't be prideful, etc.
What are the three main social classes/segments represented in The Canterbury Tales? Which group was Chaucer most critical of?
1. The Old Feudal order (Knight, Squire, Yeoman, Plowman, etc.)
2. The Merchant/Middle Class (Merchant, Man of Law, Guildsmen, Cook, etc.)
3. The Ecclesiastical (Church) Class (Prioress, Monk, Friar, Pardoner)
Analyze how The Pardoner's character reflects the corruption of the Church during Chaucer's time.
Answers may vary. Chaucer was trying to bring to light how corrupt the church was becoming. People who were supposed to be beacons of light were the ones spreading the most darkness.
How does the Wife of Bath challenge traditional views of marriage and female roles in her narrative?
The Wife of Bath advocates for women to have more control in their relationships which went against the traditional views of males being in charge.
What did the devil take from the old hag, being sure to get permission from her first?
The devil takes the summoner.
What is ironic about the fact that Chanticleer believes his dreams are prophetic?
Chanticleer believes dreams are prophetic and that we should pay attention to them, but he does not heed the warning of his own dream.