The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer
Illuminated Manuscript Project
For this project, you will have an opportunity to work in-depth with creating a character
in the style of Canterbury Tales, try your hand at writing in the rhymed couplet style of
Chaucer, and create an artistic representation with time period authenticity.
To complete your Canterbury Tales project, include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
An illustration of your character using one or more of the techniques of the
artists of the Middle Ages; illuminated manuscript, stained glass window or
wood-cut engraving styles will work well to create time period effects;
A written character sketch for prologue (30 or more lines);
Your character's story (76-80 lines) using rhyming couplets with a regular
syllabic pattern (meter); strive to reveal the character's personality in your
writing;
Design at least one stylized letter for #3;
Design a border for your character’s story and your illustration;
All projects will be completed on parchment-like paper (provided by Mrs. Hedges).
In the spirit of medieval scribes, you may also want to consider using calligraphy to
complete the written portion of the project.
Project due dates:
Completed, typed draft of prologue writing: Friday, 12/5
Completed rough draft of your character’s story: Wednesday, 12/10
Completed, typed draft of your character’s story: Monday, 12/15
Artwork rough draft layout: Tuesday, 12/16
Final project: Friday, 12/19
Materials needed (make your own list here):
Hedges/Adv Eng 1-2 Seminar/2014