Canterbury Tales Quiz

The Canterbury Tales by Jeffrey Chaucer

1. Why is the Knight first in the General Prologue and first to tell a tale? Based on the social standing of the Knight, why do you think the author had the Knight tell his story first? Explain.  Describe some of the values the Knight has sworn to uphold? (RL.11-12.3)

2. What makes the Pardoner so offensive? Describe the Pardoner’s job. Why would this be a job that people may look down on? What does the Host find especially distasteful about the Pardoner’s job? (RL.11-12.3)

3. Irony is the difference between appearance and reality. The following line, “And thries hadde she been at Jerusalem.” from “The Wife of Bath” signifies the religious nature of the wife. However, her morality is somewhat questionable. Why is her morality questionable? How does this create an ironic situation? Explain. (RL.11-12.1)

4. In “The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer describes “Zephyrus” (the west wind) as having “sweet breath.” How is this description an example of personification? Explain. (L.11-12.5)

5. The Canterbury Tales deals with the idea of the “Seven Deadly Sins.” The seven deadly sins are: Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, and Sloth. Describe in your own words the definition of each of these “deadly sins.” (RL.11-12.1)