from The Canterbury Tales concept: frame story A story within a story. focus: To examine the characters of the story. summary:
-- The prologue introduces the twenty-nine pilgrims who are on a journey to the shrine of Thomas a Becket.
-- The pilgrims fall into the three medieval divisions of feudal society: the feudal order, the church, and the merchant/professional class.
-- The Host requires that each pilgrim tell two tales. points to ponder:
Describe Chaucer’s writing style and rhythm scheme.
How many stories total are being told?
Describe the Knight.
Describe the Squire.
How does the Knight compare with the Squire?
Describe the Friar.
Describe the Nun.
How can we tell that the Monk is not true to the beliefs of someone in his profession?
What is the Friar most interested in? How can we see this?
Describe the Wife of Bath’s personality?
How are the Pardoner and the Summoner similar?
Describe the contest and bargain. ideas: fashion show travel show vacation tips

The Pardoner’s Tale concept review: verbal irony situational irony focus: To examine the uses of irony. summary:
-- Three men learn that the dead body was murdered by a thief called “Death”.
-- The three set out to kill Death and learn he is under a nearby tree.
-- The three men find some gold under the tree.
-- The youngest goes into town for supplies while the other two stay behind and plot to kill him.
-- The two kill the youngest when he returns.
--The two remaining rioters celebrate by drinking the poisoned wine. points to ponder:
What is ironic about the old man’s attitude towards death?
What is ironic about the view of death presented by the three rioters?
What lessons are being taught about the problems present in this society?
How are the rioters and the Pardoner similar?
What other examples of irony are present in this story?

from The Wife of Bath’s Tale focus: To examine the main theme present within the story.
To review direct characterization.
1. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like.
2. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him. summary:
-- A queen promises to spare the life of a sentenced knight if he can discover what women want most.
-- The knight meets an ugly old woman who promises him the answer if he grants her a wish.
-- She tells him that women want power over men.
-- The old woman then demands that he marry her.
-- After he reluctantly agrees to marry her, she turns into a young beautiful woman.

points to ponder:
What is the setting of the story?
What could be the main themes behind this story?
What is an example of direct characterization from this story?
What might the old woman really be?
What is the moral of the story?
What might be Chaucer’s main reason for writing about the pilgrimage?
What was Chaucer’s primary theme in the Prologue?
How many tales are being told by each pilgrim?
Why is the Pardoner’s Tale an allegory? Explain the allegory.
What else could the thief called death be in relation to the time period and this line “He’s killed a thousand in the present plague”
Who is the old man in The Pardoner’s Tale?
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Federigo’s Falcon focus: To review irony and examine the main characters of the story. summary:
-- Federigo is in love with a married woman who refuses his advances.
-- His only valuable possession is a falcon.
-- When Monna’s husband dies, her sick son wants the falcon which Fedirgo owns.
-- Whe Mona approaches Federico about getting together, he kills the falcon for dinner.
-- Her heart is eventually won over by Federigo. points to ponder:
What is the internal conflict Monna faces by going to dinner?
What is your opinion of this?
What is the situational irony that takes place in this story?
What do you think of Monna’s personality?
How would you describe Federigo’s personality?

from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight concept:
Romance: A typical Romance consists of
-noble near perfect heroes
-an evil enemy
-a quest
- a test of the hero
-supernatural elements
- conflict between good and evil
-love, honor, chivalry, and daring deeds
-female figures who are in need of rescue
Focus: To examine the elements of Romance contained within the piece.
Summary:
– A Green Knight arrives in Camelot and challenges anyone to strike him on the bare neck, provided that he do the same to that person in a year.
– Sir Gawain severs his head, but the Green Knight retrieves it and runs off.
– The lady attempts to seduce Sir Gawain, but he refuses her advances.
– The Green Knight nicks Sir Gawain’s neck because he is protected by the sash.
– The Green Knight explains that he was the host at the castle and was testing his honor.
Points to Ponder
Why do you feel Sir Gawain accepts the challenge?
Why does he keep his promise? What does this show about him?
What does his refusal of the lady’s advances show about his character?

What elements of romance are present in this story?
The Death of Arthur concept: Romance Hero: A Romance Hero is mysteriously born, goes through an initiation, uses magical weapons, fights evil, and may have the ability to return after death. focus: To examine the elements of Romance and the Romance
Hero. summary:
-- Arthur has a dream that Sir Gawain warns him not to go to war with his illegitimate son and enemy, Mordred.
-- As a treaty is about to be signed, a battle starts when a knight is alarmed by a snake.
-- Arthur attacks Mordred, but Mordred mortally wounds him.
-- At first Bedivere does not throw Arthur's sword into the lake becanse he wants to take it for his own.
-- A mysterious hand pulls the sword into the water as Arthur is lead away on a barge with wailing women.
Points to Ponder:
How would you describe the Arthur's personality?
What elements of Romance are found within this piece?
What elements of the Romance Hero are found within this piece?