CHARACTERS
Who is supposed to enforce Church rules?
The Summoner
What is characterization?
How an author shows what a character is like.
Is greed a sin or a virtue?
Sin
What is satire?
Using humor or criticism to point out problems.
What is the main literary technique Chaucer uses to criticize characters?
Satire
Which character is known for being a skilled warrior and honorable?
The Knight
Name one way Chaucer characterizes the Summoner.
Through his appearance or actions.
Is honesty a sin or a virtue?
Virtue
Does Chaucer use satire to criticize the Summoner?
Yes
What does “moral conflict” mean?
A struggle between right and wrong.
Which character is a religious figure who sells pardons?
The Pardoner
What does the Summoner's behavior show about his personality?
He is greedy and corrupt.
What sin does the Summoner show?
Greed/corruption
What does Chaucer criticize through the Summoner?
Corruption in the Church.
What is one major flaw of the Summoner?
Greed
Which character is known for having had many husbands?
The Wife of Bath
What does the Summoner's job tell us about him?
He works for the Church and enforces rules.
Give one virtue that the Summoner lacks.
Honesty
Why is the Summoner's appearance funny or satirical?
His disgusting appearance contrasts with his religious job.
Why is the Summoner hypocritical?
He represents the Church but does not behave morally.
Which character uses his position in the Church to make money dishonestly?
The Summoner
What is the contradiction in the Summoner's character?
He enforces rules but does not act morally himself.
What is the moral conflict of the Summoner?
He is supposed to enforce morality but behaves badly himself.
What is Chaucer's larger message about corrupt religious officials?
People in positions of power can be hypocritical and dishonest.
Explain how Chaucer uses the Summoner to criticize society.
Chaucer uses the Summoner to show how people can abuse power and pretend to be good while acting selfishly and corruptly.