Canterbury Tales: Stereotype Poem
Create Your Own Modern Day Pilgrim- 2XC
Today, you have the chance to play the role of a modern-day Chaucer. Remember that Chaucer’s pilgrims present a
microcosm of 14th English society, and through them, Chaucer satirizes various aspects of the society of his day.
Although some of his pilgrims may have been based on actual people he knew, they were not intended to be
interpreted as specific individuals but rather as representative types. In this way, Chaucer stereotypes people in
medieval society so as to criticize or flatter (in a humorous way) their flaws or strengths; consequently, Chaucer’s
Canterbury Tales exists as a piece of medieval propaganda that pinpoints the hypocrisy and greatness of being human.
Your job is to introduce a new pilgrim to the prologue who represents and satirizes some aspect of contemporary
society. Like Chaucer, in creating your pilgrim, you should not focus on a specific, contemporary individual (e.g., Miley
Cyrus) but rather on a representative type embodied by that individual, which in the case of Miley Cyrus could be “pop
star” or “twerker”. Remember that Chaucer does not necessarily disfavor all of the pilgrims he describes;
nonetheless, his tone comes through clearly in his diction and imagery—as should yours. You can choose a pilgrim
you either like or dislike, but your tone should come through in your word choice.
Your pilgrim’s description should meet the following criteria:
1. Include in your stereotype poem descriptions of . . .
a. His/her physical appearance
b. His/her clothing (including hats, jewelry, shoes, tools they need, or whatever else you deem appropriate for
that particular pilgrim)
c. His/her smell, voice, mannerisms, etc. Use vivid imagery.
d. His/her job (This could simply mean what is expected of this person based on traditional societal
expectations.)
e. His/her interests (Note: His/her interests do not have to specifically relate to the job title.)
2. The descriptive details above should reflect . . .
a. His/her moral character (is your pilgrim honest, corrupt, unintelligent, educated, well respected, vilified,
etc?)
b. Your attitude about this particular pilgrim (this should not be directly stated; instead it should be
reflected in your diction chosen for each aspect of your description)
c. At least one example of ALL FOUR rhetorical relationships: repetition, contrast, juxtaposition, and
shift.
i. Highlight an label your rhetorical devices in the poem
3. Your stereotype poem needs to be...
a. At least 20 lines long
b. Written in rhyming couplets
c. Humorous in nature (maybe light or dark humor)
d. Not maliciously aimed at any one in school (teacher or student)
e. Classroom appropriate
4. Below your poem, include a typed paragraph explanation of the tone of your poem. Also, explain the effect of
your rhetorical devices on the message of your poem.
The Politician
Here comes the sleek and dapper politician,
Making comments and giving speeches derived from complete fiction.
He smiles and waves, promising what he will not give.
But sadly, his unfulfilled promises we will always forget and forgive.
His private jet and $10,000 Armani suit with a crisply buttoned collar
Show that he is not destitute, but he will claim that he grew up in complete squalor.
But it’s not his fault; he has to blend in with the NYC hedge fund managers
To bribe them with votes to pad his campaign ledgers.
That’s just how the system works—Big Business scratches his back
and he scratches theirs—
Or at least he pretends to until he needs to protect his derriere.
His shoes are shined and slacks are pressed; he never appears undone,
And for a small contribution of 1 million dollars, he’s the best friend of everyone.
He goes from town to town finding backers for his campaign,
His pockets fatten as he gains the funds to continue his reign.
Day after day he gives speech after speech,
His sticky sweet voice making promises that our desires are within reach.
He preaches on solving poverty, creating jobs, lowering our tax rates.
After a long days’ work, he returns home to his 8 bedroom mansion,
a home no one would hate.
He has the perfect job, the perfect family, the perfect dog, the perfect life.
This is one individual who has never known strife.
Although he will claim that he’s been poor, penniless, abandoned, and depressed,
He lies just to cram down votes like he’s in a hot dog eating contest.
You name it, and he will do it if it wins him some votes!
He will even play a saxophone on Letterman or try to tell a joke!
He smiles, he waves, and glitters with an air of grace.
After all, he is the savior of the human race.