Name ______________________________________________ Pd. _________ Date ________________
Medieval Study Guide
1. What is a frame story? ___________________________________________________________________
2. Which three kings did Chaucer serve under? ________________________________
3. What is it to write in the vernacular? ________________________________________
4. How far was it from the Tabard Inn to Canterbury? ___________________________
5. Whose shrine were the pilgrims going to see? ________________________________________________
6. Why? _______________________________________________________________________________
7. What/ who was the Italian Connection where some believe Chaucer borrowed his framing device?
(work)________________________________________ (author) _____________________________
8. What time of year is it?
9. Why is this symbolic?
10. Where is Chaucer buried? _________________________________________________________________
Give 15 different pilgrims from Canterbury Tales Prologue and describe them in a short phrase (need at least
TWO characteristics or adjectives about each)
Example –
Pardoner – sang the offertory the best; was very effeminate looking
NON Example Summoner -- alcoholic; cheater
A. ________________
B. ________________
C. ________________
D. . . .
Short answer/essay -- * these have a point value anywhere from 3 to 7 pts. each
Explain how the “Pardoner’s Tale” had and ironic ending. Also explain what the moral of the story was
and how it was ironic being told by the Pardoner *
27.
In the “Wife of Bath’s Tale,” what did the knight learn about women? What was ironic about this tale?
Explain what the knight learned from the old woman’s “faults/complaints.” Also explain how this was an
appropriate tale for the Wife of Bath. *
28.
Who wrote Morte D’Arthur? _______________________ How did he find the time? ________________
29.
From your Literature Book in Morte D’Arthur, who is Miles? Griflet? (explain)
30.
In Morte D’Arthur, Who is Pellinore? (be specific)
31.
Within the context of this story, to what does a “leech” refer ?
32.
What is symbolic about Arthur’s defeat and “near death” experience?
33.
Why is the Lady of the Lake important to Arthurian legend? And the scabbard? *
33.
In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” what is the agreement/rules to the Beheading Game? Be as
specific as possible *
34.
What is the Temptation at the castle from the Host and how is it connected to the Green Knight and the
beheading game? At the end, What happens at the Green Chapel? Why? *
36.
In your own words, explain feudalism. (notes) *
37.
In the tales of Sir Lancelot, who was Morgan Le Fay?
38.
In the tales of Sir Lancelot, how does Lancelot save Sir Kay? (2 things)
39.
In the tales of Sir Lancelot, who was Sir Turquine, Sir Lionel?
40.
In the tales of Sir Lancelot, how is Sir Lancelot deceived by Sir Phelot?
41.
In the “Lady of Shallot,” what is the importance of Sir Lancelot’s appearance?
Define the following: (be able to fill in the blanks)
42.
Legend
43.
Myth
44.
Allegory
45.
Parody
46.
True Love
47.
Romance
48.
From the tales of all three (four if you include the Wife of Bath’s Tale), give 7 different examples of
chivalry (other than To guard the honor of fellow knights) 15 pts.
EXAMPLE: To guard the honor of fellow knights – Even though Merlin warns Arthur of his possible
death facing the Knight of the Fountain, he fights anyway.
26.