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.
Describe the Knight.
Describe the Squire.
How does the Knight compare with the Squire?
Describe the Yeoman.
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
situation irony
focus: To examine the uses of irony.
summary:
-- Three men sit in a tavern and watch a coffin pass.
-- They 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.
-- There they find some gold which they decide to steal.
-- The youngest goes into town for supplies while the other two
plot to kill him.
-- The two kill him upon his return and then drink the wine the
youngest poisoned while returning.
points to ponder:
Describe the three men sitting in the tavern.
What is ironic about the rioters and the old man’s attitude towards death?
What lessons are being taught about the problems present in this
society? How can we see this?
Describe the reactions of the pilgrims to this story. What does this say about them?
How does this connect them with the Pardoner?
What 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.
summary:
-- A queen promises to spare the life of a sentenced knight if he
can discover what women want most.
-- The knight meets and 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 are some of the criticisms of women the Wife has?
(beginning with line 120)
What is your opinion on the old woman tricking the knight into
marriage?
How would you describe the knight’s personality?
Explain the old woman’s views on poverty beginning on line 555.
What is your opinion on her views?
What shows that the knight has matured at the end of the story?
What could be the main themes behind this story?
Is irony present in this story?
Federigo’s Falcon
focus: To 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.
-- When Federigo invites her over, he kills the falcon for dinner.
-- Her heart is eventually won over by Federigo.
points to ponder:
How does Federigo lose all his money? What is your opinion of this?
What is the 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 heroes, love, honor, chivalry, and daring deeds.
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.
– A year later, Sir Gawain stops at a castle before his appointment with the Green Knight.
– The lady attempts to seduce Sir Gawain, but he refuses her advances.
– The Green Knight nicks Sir Gawain’s neck.
– The Green Knight explains that he was the host at the castle and was testing his honor.
Points to Ponder
Plot review! What are the elements of plot? What are they in this story?
What might the objects in the Green Knight’s hand symbolize?
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.
fun 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 are clues that the sword is magical?
Compare/Contrast Arthur and Mordred.
What elements of Romance are found within this piece?
What elements of the Romance Hero are found within this
piece?