Name: ______________
Ms. Beaudoin
Date: _________
English IV Honors
Chaucer – The Canterbury Tales: “General Prologue”
Review: pp. 96-97
Directions: The following quest
Characterization is the technique a writer uses to create and develop the personality of a character. Characterization may be direct—stated outright—or
I
indirect—suggested through details of appearance or action or by the character’s statements.
Social commentary is writing that offers insight into a society, its values, and its customs.
Directions: Refer to pp. 98-119. Answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Responses should be thorough and in complete sentences.
1.) List three characteristics of the Nun. What details does Chaucer include in his description of the Nun to make gentle fun of her? Explain.
2.) Compare and contrast the Friar and the Parson; how are they alike and how are they different? Judging from their descriptions, what does Chaucer think can cause a religious person to fail in his or her duty?
3.) Give three details that Chaucer uses to characterize the Doctor. For each, note whether the characterization is direct or indirect.
4.) Find one example of each of the following kinds of details in Chaucer’s characterizations: direct statement, physical description, character’s action (from a pilgrim not previously mentioned). How do your examples of physical description and action indirectly characterize that pilgrim?
5.) Which character sketch do you find most effective? Explain the method Chaucer uses to make the sketch so vivid.
6.) Most of Chaucer’s characters are named after a profession. What does this emphasis on social roles suggest about medieval society?
7.) Which of the pilgrims would you most like to meet? Why?