Introduction to Chaucer and Canterbury Tales
“Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400)”
1. What nickname has Geoffrey Chaucer been given?
2. What name was given to the language used by ordinary people in Chaucer’s day?
3. Which languages in Chaucer’s day were considered the languages of literature,
science, diplomacy, and religion?
a.
b.
4. Under which three (3) kings did Chaucer serve?
a.
b.
c.
5. Define “vernacular.”
6. What was Chaucer’s first important poem, and for whom was it written?
a.
b.
7. Which country may have influenced Chaucer in his writing of Canterbury Tales?
Which three (3) authors probably influenced this writing?
a.
b.
c.
d.
8. What work is similar to Canterbury Tales, and who was its author?
a.
b.
9. Define “framing device.”
10. What attitude about human life is revealed in Canterbury Tales?
11. What is the dominant metrical device used in the Canterbury Tales? Why was it
used?
a.
b.
Introduction to Chaucer and Canterbury Tales - Key
Page 2
12. Where is Chaucer buried?
“The Canterbury Tales: Snapshot Tales of an Age”
13. Canterbury Tales gives the reader a picture of what?
14. Define “pilgrimage” using the definition in the text.
15. What type of pilgrimage were these pilgrims making?
16. In what time of year does this pilgrimage take place?
17. From what place does the pilgrimage begin?
18. How many pilgrims are there if the narrator is included?
19. Who suggests something to pass the time during the pilgrimage? What does this
person suggest?
a. .
b.
20. The characters of this collection represent “the perennial progeny of men and
women.” If this is indeed the case, what does this statement mean?
“Before You Read”
21. Chaucer is considered a master at characterization. What are the five (5) methods he
uses to reveal his characters?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.