From The Canterbury Tales
“The Prologue” pp. 97-119
1. As you read “The Prologue,” note allusions.
2. Analyze the direct & indirect characterization used by Chaucer throughout “The
Prologue.”
A. Knight—fought in multiple Crusades
According to lines 43-46, what values does the Knight follow?
Why did Chaucer start his story with the Knight? (drawing conclusions)
What do lines 54-65 indirectly suggest about the Knight’s character?
In lines 70-74, Chaucer chooses to use direct characterization, describing the Knight
as wise, modest, and true. Why do you think he changes from indirect
characterization?
B. Squire—aspires to knighthood, but is focused on courtly love
Define the relationship between the Knight & Squire.
Based on lines 85-90, what motivates the Squire?
C. Yeoman:
What can you infer from the Yeoman’s dress?
D. Nun (Prioress)
What is significant about her speaking French rather than Latin?
What can you infer about the Prioress based on this detailed description of her jewelry?
What was unusual about her treatment of animals?
What is the significance of the inscription on her brooch: Amor vincit omnia? Why is it
inappropriate? (infer)
E. Monk—outrider (looks after the monastery’s business in the “real” world)
What sort of man was the Monk? What were his hobbies?
Why is it inappropriate that he wore a gold lover’s knot?
What else of his appearance is not in keeping with his position?
Why is hunting an inappropriate hobby for the Monk?
F. Friar—offers easy penance to anyone who can pay
In lines 216-17, Chaucer indirectly states something of great importance to our
understanding of the character. What is he telling us?
Define:
Absolution
Shrift
Penance
In lines 244-254, is Chaucer utilizing direct or indirect characterization? Explain.
How does the Friar really earn his living? (drawing conclusions)
G. Merchant
How is this member of the business class faring financially?
Why, then, does he take such pains with his dress?
H. Oxford Cleric (Sometimes referred to as the Student)
What is unusual about the Oxford Cleric’s possessions?
How does Chaucer portray the cleric? Why is he so skinny?
What does the suggestion that the economic ideas of the time were focused on material
wealth tell you about the people of the time?
I. Sergeant at the Law
By what titles would we call him today? (modern-day link)
Do you think those of his occupation still make an effort to look busier than they truly
are? Please support your opinion.
J. Franklin (originally frankelein, meaning free man—While this was an emerging class
during Chaucer’s time, it did not exist during the Middle Ages.)
What is an Epicurean? (Hint: ll. 346-48 are supporting details for the main idea in l.
345) (main idea/supporting details)
What are the Franklin’s interests?
K. Haberdasher/Dyer/Carpenter/Weaver/Carpet-maker
This group of successful, skilled workers would be part of the new emerging
______________class.
What would a guild be called today? (modern-day link)
What are the similarities and differences between the two groups? (compare/contrast)
What point is Chaucer making about the relationship between these men and their
wives? (point of view & drawing conclusions)
L. Cook
Would he win on a cooking show?
Would he be a good employee in a restaurant? Would you eat his food?
M. Skipper
How is he as a captain?
Would you travel with him? Why or why not? (modern-day link)
N. Doctor
What is said about how the doctor practices medicine in ll. 421-8?
Would you be willing to see this doctor? Why or why not? (modern-day link)
What are the four humours?
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How were the humours balanced?
In line 428, Chaucer refers to using effigies in medicine? What is he talking about?
O. Wife of Bath—by profession a seamstress
What does her dress tell you about her? (infer)
How many times has she been married? (recall)
What does Chaucer mean when he says “Apart from other company in youth” in line
471?
What do her extensive travels indicate about her?
P. Parson
What is the Parson’s main characteristic?
How does Chaucer use his characterization of the Parson to comment on the way
priests (and other members of the clergy) ought to behave?
Because Chaucer says that the Parson is “an example to his sheep,” what can we assume
that Chaucer feels about how others ought to behave, even if they are not in the clergy?
Line 537 specifically says the Parson is following whom?
Q. Plowman
Chaucer characterizes the Plowman as honest. What unusual thing does he do in
regards to tithing?
R. Miller—enjoys crude, bawdy jokes and drinking (sometimes referred to as
animalistic)
Sixteen stone = ______ pounds
Based on the description of the Miller, what would you guess is his nationality?
What is his “golden thumb?”
S. Manciple—stocks an Inn of Court (school of law) with provisions
What are the two subjects of comparison in lines 594-604?
What is ironic about the illiteracy of the Manciple?
T. Reeve—a steward responsible for running the everyday affairs of a feudal manor
How would you describe the physical characteristics of the Reeve?
How was the Reeve a criminal? (infer)
How do serfs and herdsmen view the Reeve? (point of view)
U. Summoner—arraigns those accused of violating church law
Why were children afraid of him?
What vices did he have?
What is excommunication?
What is it called when you threaten to expose someone if he/she does not pay you
money? (modern-day link)
V. Pardoner—seller of indulgences
What are indulgences?
What facts in ll. 719-26 indirectly characterize the Pardoner?
He sold “holy relics.” Explain.
W. Host--Bailey
Owner of the ________________________ where the pilgrims have stopped. He comes
up with a way to pass the time--_____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What does the Host’s decision to accompany the pilgrims suggest about him? (draw
conclusions)
X. Narrator
Why does he apologize in line 745? (draw conclusions)
3. Create a chart illustrating which characters the narrator seems to respect and those
he does not. What insights can you gain from your chart?
4. How is The Canterbury Tales a frame story?
5. What does Chaucer reveal about himself through his unfinished work, The Canterbury
Tales? What do you think was his motivation?
6. In what sense are The Canterbury Tales stories and in what sense are they poetry?
7. Based on “The Prologue,” Chaucer seems to admire only three of the pilgrims
wholeheartedly. Name these three and explain what qualities he admires in each.
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8. Satire is the critical treatment, humorous or witty, of subject matter in literature,
usually with the aim of improving humanity.
How does Chaucer satirize the Friar?
How does Chaucer satirize the Wife of Bath?
9. Which class of the British Middle Ages is missing from the cast of The Canterbury
Tales?