Essay Two--Fowler
The Medieval Period
This essay is to be at least 2 ½ pages and at least 6 paragraphs. Also, this is to be a documented essay. I
want you to use at least 4 critical sources in your essay. (A critical source is something written about the
work, analyzing its meaning). You can find critical sources in the library and on approved online databases
(Media/). You must also have a works cited, properly documenting your sources (primary and
secondary!).
**you must include two primary quotes per body paragraph; each quote must be
discussed with at least two of your own sentences!!
**you must include one quote from each secondary source somewhere in the essay;
each quote must be discussed with at least two of your own sentences!!
***an outline with thesis, topic sentences, and quotes is required!
Any essay that does not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not pass! Be warned!
Choose one topic:
1. Discuss how and why “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a mock epic. Review page 118 for help.
2. “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” teaches several lessons regarding the power of speech and words. Discuss.
3. Explain how the exemplum (see page 140) of “The Pardoner’s Tale” proves that greed is the root of all
evil.
4. Why is it ironic that the Pardoner tells this story? Discuss his reasons for telling the story, the story’s
probable effect on the people who heard it, and the ultimate message about human nature that it suggests.
5. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain embarks on a journey. Discuss his journey and the lessons
he is presented with along the way.
6. Discuss the use of symbolism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. What are the various symbols in the
story and what do they represent?
If you are absent the day the essay is due, your
Rough draft (due the day before the final draft)
will be graded as your final draft!!!!!
**Rough Draft Due Monday, Feb. 21 at the end of class!
**Final Draft Due Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the end of class!
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