Canterbury Tales

A framed collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. Let's look at an introduction

Themes:
Social Class and Convention
Corruption and Exploitation in the Church
Battle of the Sexes (or Old Men and Young Wives, or Who's in Charge?, or What makes a good spouse?)
Lies and Deceit
Courtly Love
What Makes a Good Story?

The are many "types" or "genres" of stories here:
Sermon
Romance Tale
Fabliau
Beast Tale
The Trickster Tricked Tale

Symbols:
Physiognomy
Clothes
Time of Year

The following are tales that you're need to know for the final:
Miller's Tale
Reeve's Tale
Nun's Priest's Tale
The Pardoner's Tale
The Wife of Bath's Tale
The Squire's Tale
The Summoner's Tale
The Clerk's Tale
The Merchant's Tale


Canterbury Tales

Objective: To Demonstrate a thorough understanding of a character and literary devices used in Chaucer by dressing up as one of the characters from The Canterbury Tales and presenting their story.

REQUIREMENTS:

Part 1: You must dress up as the character as described in the Prologue of the poem (note: you should also read very closely the character’s prologue to their own story for it will give you insight into how the character acts, thinks, and relates to the other characters). As part of the presentation you’ll need to discuss what you are wearing and why (or what it represents)? You will also need to present your character traits. What your character is like—what do they believe, how do think of themselves, how do they act towards others or towards God. You may wish to do some research on your character or your character type (example you might wish to look at Friars and what Friars where about and how they where suppose to act and compare those ideas with how your character acts and believes).

Part 2: You’ll need to present your tale to the class. You can do it in one of two ways: 1) D.I. or Dramatic Interpretation of the story (this means you pick the highlights, write a script based on the highlights and act it out). 2) Rewrite the story in your own words and language and present it as a transcript—meaning you read it, but give a dramatic reading
(not just a reading like we do in class)

Part 3: Teach the class the following: 1) what type of literary tale is your story? 2) What does the tale mean (if anything). Connect the tale to a THEME? What does the tale reveal about you character and who your character is? What—if any—kinds of literary devices does your tale use?

Part 4: Make a brief argument why your character won the bet: Who can tell the best story. 

 

We will read sections of the Canterbury Tales - the Prologue, The Wife of Bath's Tale, and The Pardoner's Tale, and one tale of the student's choice.

Canterbury Tales, “The General Prologue” (35 points)

You will find below all the pilgrims mentioned in “The General Prologue.” Be able to answer the following:

1. How does Chaucer characterize each one?  Offer two details with line numbers to support this (include figures of speech or Cicero’s aspects of characterization).
2. Describe Chaucer’s attitude toward each pilgrim.
3. Rank this person in the chart at the end of this handout.

Pilgrim	Chaucer’s Characterization	Two Details	Chaucer’s Attitude
The Knight		1. 2.
Squire		1. 2.
Yeoman		1. 2.
Prioress		1. 2.
Monk		1. 2.
Friar		1. 2.
Merchant		1. 2.
Clerk		1. 2.
Sergeant-at-Law		1. 2.
Franklin		1. 2.
Haberdasher, Carpenter, Weaver, Dyer, Tapestry Maker		1. 2.
Cook		1. 2.
Shipman		1. 2.
Doctor of Medicine		1. 2.
Wife of Bath		1. 2.
Parson		1. 2.
Plowman		1. 2.
Miller		1. 2.
Manciple		1. 2.
Reeve		1. 2.
Summoner		1. 2.
Pardoner		1. 2.
Host		1. 2.

Best Pilgrims	Worst Pilgrims
1.	1.
2.	2.
3.	3.
4.	4.
5.	5.
6.	6.

The Canterbury Tales

General Prologue questions

Answer the following questions based on the general prologue of the tales.

1. What time of year to people “long to go on pilgrimages” and why?

2. Where is the narrator at the start of the prologue?  Who joins him and for what purposes?

3. What plan (which becomes the basis of the frame story) does the host propose to the pilgrims? How do the pilgrims respond to the idea?

4. Chaucer is the master at using physical details – eyes, hair, body type, clothing, complexion – to reveal character. Describe at least three pilgrims whose inner nature is  revealed by their appearance. Use your notes and the text for help.

a.

b.

c.

5. Clearly, Chaucer satirizes the church of his time. Show how this is true by analyzing two characters connected with the church. What “good” or honorable church people does he include to balance his satire?

6. Which of the pilgrims do you think Chaucer idealizes, or hold in high esteem?

7. Why is the Knight first in the General Prologue and first to tell a tale?

8. What makes the Wife of Bath such a colorful and interesting character?

9. Place the pilgrims in section of the table that best suits them.

Clergy	Middle Class/City	Military/Farming

 

Geoffrey Chaucer

Early Years

•Chaucer was believed to be born in 1343

•He may have attended Oxford or Cambridge

•Official records give some biographical details

–Captured in France (1359) during war

–King paid sixteen-pound ransom for release

Family

•Married Philippa Pan in 1366 or 1368

•Wife was a lady-in-waiting to the queen

•Had two sons, possibly a daughter

Career

•Made a comfortable living as a civil servant

–A dozen diplomatic missions to Flanders, France and Italy (1368-87)

–Negotiated marriage between Richard II and daughter of the French King

–Also served as customs official, “Knight of the Shire” and keeper of the Royal Forest - this spot was an important post in Parliament.

Early Poet

•Began writing in his twenties

•Based early works using style of other European poets

•Was one of Britain’s first poets to publish in English

•Considered the “People’s Poet”

Chaucer’s Legacy

•Considered the Father of English poetry in his lifetime

•Even 600 years later, his works are still in print

•Chaucer is buried in Westminster Abbey

•Chaucer’s tomb is the centerpiece of “Poet’s Corner”

The Canterbury Tales

•Written in his later years

•Intended to write 124 tales before his death

•The 24 tales stand as a complete work

•Considered one of Britain’s literary treasures

British Society in the Tales

•Story centers on pilgrimage to Canterbury.

•The church was the center of religion for Britain

•Sacred ground after the assassination of Thomas Becket in 1170

What the Tales Provide

•A cross-section of British life

•Almost all walks of life represented

•Chaucer’s contempt for church is apparent

Friday

Make sure you can answer all the objectives below:


1) Define Negative Utopia and discuss how 1984 fits the definition.
2) Define motif, give 3-5 examples of motifs in the book and be able to explain their significance (a few motifs to think about include rebellion, songs, slogans, sex, rebellion)
3) Be able to explain the significance of the following themes:  The meaning of freedom; The responsibility of the Individual in Society, Dehumanization as a method of control, isolation, social class disparity, and the abuse of power
4) Define dystopia and apply it to the novel
5) Keep a list of ironies (at least ten found in the book)
6) Make a list of all the characters with description and discussion of the meaning behind their names
7) Examine the following symbols: Big Brother, The Party Slogans, The Four Ministries, the paperweight, the golden country, Emmanuel Goldstein, James, Aaronson, Rutherford, Chestnut Tree Café, Doublethink, Newspeak Dictionary, Winston’s Diary, Junkshop, songs, Proles
8) Explain the purpose of Newspeak
9) Describe how Big Brother controls its citizens
10) Describe the setting
11) Name the four ministries and what they control
12) Compare/Contrast Winston and Julia
13) Research current privacy-related issues and debates affection society and connect with 1984.
14) Keep a list of Newspeak Words
15) Discuss the meaning of room 101.
16) List the ideas in Goldstein’s book.
17) Outline the plot according to the six elements of plot
18) Discuss the three movements in the book and summarize what happens in each.
19) List the types of conflict involved in the novel.
20) Discuss the meaning of various quotes discussed in class.
21) List five to ten examples of foreshadow. 

 Answer the following questions

1984 Test:  Each questions is worth 5 points unless noted.  Total points = 181

1.     (15 points)   List and explain three themes that appear in 1984.

2. (8 points) What do the following symbols represent (keep in mind that they may represent more than one thing at different times in the novel)

Paperweight:

The Golden Country:

Chestnut Tree Café:

Songs:

3. Give a definition for dystopia and briefly explain how 1984 fits the definition (be specific and use examples – vague or incomplete answers will not receive full credit)

4. List five foreshadows in 1984 (and explain what they hint at)

5. Describe in detail and with examples the various ways (at least five) that Big Brother controls its citizens.

6. List four ironies in the book.

7. Give three examples of motifs that occur in the novel and connect each to a theme.

8. Explain the slogan, “He who controls the past controls the future.  He who controls the present controls the past.”  Why is this slogan important?

9. What lies/half-truths does the party teach about history?

10. Name the four ministries and what each controls.

11. List the three principles of Ingsoc.

12. List five Newspeak words and define each.

13. How is a person’s class determined in 1984?

14. How does Big Brothers philosophy about power and control differ from previous dictatorships?

15. What is O’Brien’s vision of the future?

16. Explain the significance of Winston’s childhood memories?  How do they give weight to the novel?

17. According to Obrien how is Winston mentally deranged?

18. (14 points):  For the following characters discuss who they are, the meanings of their names, and what they represent in the novel.

Ampleforth

Syme

Winston Smith

Julia

Parsons:

Oglivey:

19. (9 points) List and explain in detail the three movements of the novel.  Use examples.  What is each about?  Why is each important?

PRACTICE TEST

Make sure you can answer all the objectives below:


1) Define Negative Utopia and discuss how 1984 fits the definition.
2) Define motif, give 3-5 examples of motifs in the book and be able to explain their significance (a few motifs to think about include rebellion, songs, slogans, sex, rebellion)
3) Be able to explain the significance of the following themes:  The meaning of freedom; The responsibility of the Individual in Society, Dehumanization as a method of control, isolation, social class disparity, and the abuse of power
4) Define dystopia and apply it to the novel
5) Keep a list of ironies (at least ten found in the book)
6) Make a list of all the characters with description and discussion of the meaning behind their names
7) Examine the following symbols: Big Brother, The Party Slogans, The Four Ministries, the paperweight, the golden country, Emmanuel Goldstein, James, Aaronson, Rutherford, Chestnut Tree Café, Doublethink, Newspeak Dictionary, Winston’s Diary, Junkshop, songs, Proles
8) Explain the purpose of Newspeak
9) Describe how Big Brother controls its citizens
10) Describe the setting
11) Name the four ministries and what they control
12) Compare/Contrast Winston and Julia
13) Research current privacy-related issues and debates affection society and connect with 1984.
14) Keep a list of Newspeak Words
15) Discuss the meaning of room 101.
16) List the ideas in Goldstein’s book.
17) Outline the plot according to the six elements of plot
18) Discuss the three movements in the book and summarize what happens in each.
19) List the types of conflict involved in the novel.
20) Discuss the meaning of various quotes discussed in class.
21) List five to ten examples of foreshadow. 

 Answer the following questions

1984 Test:  Each questions is worth 5 points unless noted.  Total points = 181

1.     (15 points)   List and explain three themes that appear in 1984.

2. (8 points) What do the following symbols represent (keep in mind that they may represent more than one thing at different times in the novel)

Paperweight:

The Golden Country:

Chestnut Tree Café:

Songs:

3. Give a definition for dystopia and briefly explain how 1984 fits the definition (be specific and use examples – vague or incomplete answers will not receive full credit)

4. List five foreshadows in 1984 (and explain what they hint at)

5. Describe in detail and with examples the various ways (at least five) that Big Brother controls its citizens.

6. List four ironies in the book.

7. Give three examples of motifs that occur in the novel and connect each to a theme.

8. Explain the slogan, “He who controls the past controls the future.  He who controls the present controls the past.”  Why is this slogan important?

9. What lies/half-truths does the party teach about history?

10. Name the four ministries and what each controls.

11. List the three principles of Ingsoc.

12. List five Newspeak words and define each.

13. How is a person’s class determined in 1984?

14. How does Big Brothers philosophy about power and control differ from previous dictatorships?

15. What is O’Brien’s vision of the future?

16. Explain the significance of Winston’s childhood memories?  How do they give weight to the novel?

17. According to Obrien how is Winston mentally deranged?

18. (14 points):  For the following characters discuss who they are, the meanings of their names, and what they represent in the novel.

Ampleforth

Syme

Winston Smith

Julia

Parsons:

Oglivey:

19. (9 points) List and explain in detail the three movements of the novel.  Use examples.  What is each about?  Why is each important?