WRITING YOUR OWN CANTERBURY TALE PROJECT
The Assignment: Write a 40-line (minimum) story in the style of Chaucer’s, The Canterbury
Tales. If you are working with a partner it needs to be 60 lines. The lines should be in rhyming
couplets (pairs, aa, bb, cc, etc.) and as close to iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line) as
possible. There may be variations in the line, as I know we are not all Chaucer. Remember, I gave
several handouts about rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter. Also, look at The Canterbury
Tales for help. You will be sharing these tales not only with other students but also quite
possibly across the world...I may put these recordings on my YouTube channel!
You may create any kind of character or story you like from a modern day perspective, but
remember your tale must include a lesson or moral told with satire and characterization. Your
40 or 60 lines may be part of a prologue to a tale (focusing on your character, so a description)
or may be the actual tale. Please give the poem a title (such as “The Athlete’s Tale.”) Write a
rough draft first (rhyming metric verse is tricky and requires a lot of revision to have it make
sense). The rough draft is due ______________ and the final copy is due _____________.
To make this tale a little more creative, instead of just writing it, we will be recording it as well.
You and your partner will record an audio version of your written tale. This version will be
recorded using the software Audacity. Your recording must also include at least 5 sound
effects, plus the addition of music throughout your tale.
The objective: I want you to be able to create this type of poetry and to realize just how
difficult it can be. I hope you will be able to analyze the historical and social context from
Chaucer’s time and adapt it to create a modern version. His tales are still popular today and I
would like you to have an understanding of why they are still entertaining.
Content Rubric:
_____ Contains 10 syllables per line
_____ Maintains Chaucerian rhyme scheme (aa, bb, cc)
_____ 40 or 60 lines minimum
_____ Poem tells a moral using satire and a form
of characterization
_____ Recorded tale is easy to hear, well-annunciated
_____ Recording has at least 5 sound effects
_____ Recording has music throughout
_________ TOTAL (100 pts)
(20 pts)
(20pts)
(15pts)
(10pts)
(15pts)
(10pts)
(10pts)