World History - The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Read a brief biography on Chaucer at the following webpage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/chaucer_geoffrey.shtml
Look at the textbook on page 51 and then answer the following questions:
A) Questions
1. Using your knowledge of Chaucer from reading his biography compare and
contrast Chaucer’s view of the three social classes in the quote. Be sure to use
quotes from all three paragraphs to support your argument.
B. Can you explain why Chaucer is critical of the merchant class?
1. It may be explained that Chaucer has a bias against the merchant class. Using the
source material explain Chaucer's view and if you feel it is a valid choice.
2. Chaucer's work is still read today some 700+ years after it was written. Can you
theorize why his work has endured? What themes does he explore?
3. Chaucer notes three classes in medieval society can you think of three classes in
society today. Once you have identified these three classes can you write a short
paragraph (five sentences each) to explain generalizations about them. You can make a
poem if you like but it does not have to rhyme.
C. 1. Do you think that Chaucer's work is useful to helping us, as history students
understand medieval life. Explain your answer in full supporting your argument with
quotes from the passage.
2. Bias can be explained as showing favor you one group over another. Looking at the
three groups in the passage which group do you think that Chaucer DOES NOT like.
Explain your answer using support from the passage.
3. Can you think of a reason why Chaucer's work is still read today? Are the things in the
passage that are still the same today? In a paragraph of no less than seven full
sentences compare and contrast medieval life with your life in 2015. Be sure to explain
similarities and differences using the source material where appropriate.
D. Explore the possibilities of understanding history through the written word as seen in
this passage of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Highlight the benefits and limitations of
using such material for the historian. Be sure to compare this with more traditional
areas of historical research.
E. When discussing the medieval times historians often discuss a highly stratified society
as depicted in the feudal triangle. To what extent does Chaucer's Canterbury Tales
support this argument? Is society similarly stratified today and if so how? Do you think
that a stratified society is a feature of the human experience? Support your argument
with quotes from the passage and from your own life experience. You may include other
historical examples to make your argument.
F. 1. Who is Geoffrey Chaucer and what is his most famous work?
2. Explain briefly what the Canterbury Tales are.
3. List the three groups that Chaucer discusses in the passage.
4. After reading each paragraph carefully explain Chaucer's opinion of each group.
5. What do you theorize is the reason that Chaucer seems to prefer some of the groups
rather than others?