Bishop/English
The Canterbury Tales: Satire
Satire is the use of irony, exaggeration, sarcasm, and or ridicule to illustrate the weaknesses, vices,
shortcomings, etc. of a particular individual, group, or institution.
Satirists use humor to convey their—sometimes very serious—message in an entertaining way (Think:
Colbert Report, The Daily Show, South Park, The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.)
Directions:
1. Read lines 169 – 211: the description of the monk in the Prologue.
2. Find three (3) instances of the use of satire. Consider that the monk most likely was required to take
vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
3. Complete the chart below and then answer the questions that follow.
Example of Satire (Quote & Cite)
Explanation of Satire
Short Response:
In a well-developed paragraph, explain what moral message Chaucer is attempting to convey to his readers
with his humorous descriptions of the monk. Be sure to quote/cite the text and defend your interpretation.