The Canterbury Tales
Sallee-Humanities
Characterization in the Style of Chaucer
Hands-on Project for Unit Two (30 points) Due Friday, November 13th a non-literature day
Terms: Meter, iambic pentameter, persona, irony, poetic devices
Materials: “The Prologue” from The Canterbury Tales and your imagination
What professions or archetypes might be included in a modern group of travelers stranded or together for a
long period of time (a long bus trip, a cruise, or a tour, for example)?
The Computer geek
The Doctor
The Sensitive Boyfriend
The Babysitter
The Feminist
The Good Boy/Girl
The Mall Rat
The Cheerleader
The Politically Correct
The Mom
The Frat boy/Sorority Girl
The Cop
The Bad Boy/Girl
The Homeless Wanderer
The Video Game Addict
The Politician
The Construction Worker
The Coach
The Beauty Queen
The Rock Star
The Ski Bum
The American Idol contestant
The Football Star
The Soldier
The Burnout
Other? Clear with me first!
You may choose one of these characters or suggest you own; your task is to write a detailed poetic
description (a la Chaucer) that shows us many facets of the character’s appearance, mannerisms and
personality. Use the descriptions in the Prologue as a model!
Remember these characteristics of the General Prologue:

Chaucer is a fly on the wall—he has spoken to these characters but does not know their
thoughts, so the point of view is third person limited.
 Chaucer often takes the opportunity to criticize or draw attention to a social issue, though he
may do this in a very indirect way (verbal or situational irony).
 Characters often are not as they appear (some irony there as well).
 Chaucer the Pilgrim enters and comments on occasion—you may create the same sort of
persona in your prologue if you wish
 Chaucer uses some detail of setting and season—you may do the same
 Chaucere makes good use of color and imagery—you should do the same
 Chaucer uses sound devices (alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance)
 Chaucer uses iambic pentameter couplets—you should do the same (or at least give it your
best try): 10 syllables per line will help you to get this in place.
 Chaucer uses poetic form with line breaks and so should you—your description should be
25-30 lines
 You may use Chaucerian language or modern—the choice is yours.
 Characterization is very detailed in terms of dress and mannerisms
 Chaucer sometimes presents a stereotype of a character—and then gives it a subtle twist.
Example:
There was a teacher from a western town
Who tried to never let her students down.
She let them write in meter, also rhymes
Even if their rhythm missed bits sometimes