The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer’s most famous and beloved work, is one of the most highly influential works in the English language. As a matter of fact, Chaucer is responsible for the promulgation and preservation of the English language itself. Though most people in medieval England spoke English, most documents were written in French or Latin, languages that only aristocrats and clergy could read. Chaucer was the first author to write in the English vernacular, making his works accessible to people of all social classes.
Look at this sample of Chaucer’s original Middle English next to a modern translation, and click here to hear the Prologue to The Canterbury Tales read aloud in Middle English. What similarities do you notice? What differences? Can you guess what some of the Middle English words mean without referring to the translation?
Chaucer lived during a very tumultuous era in England’s history. For a good summary of the effect the major events of the fourteenth century as well as his own experiences had on his life and writing, click this link. Did anything about Chaucer’s life and times surprise you? Can you think of any events taking place at the time that the author of the article left out?
For insight into Chaucer’s opinions as evidenced in his writing, read this article. Were any of Chaucer’s opinions controversial at the time? Are they still controversial today? How do you think Chaucer got away with it? Do you agree with the author’s assessment of Chaucer’s opinions, or do you think she may be putting her own spin on things?
This link will take you to an article about the history of Canterbury Cathedral, the intended destination of Chaucer’s pilgrims. The article includes many pictures of the interior and exterior as well as a map of the region, so you can get a better idea of where the pilgrims were and where they were going.
The holy relic at Canterbury Cathedral is the cilice, or “hair shirt,” of St. Thomas Becket Here is a Wikipedia article about Thomas Becket with solid, reliable citations. (Remember that it is important to consider the source of one’s information!) Who was Thomas Becket? How did he become a saint? What is a cilice and why did he wear one?
Here is a link to an eyewitness account of Becket’s death, written by Becket’s biographer, a monk named Edward Grim. What details do you think may have been accurate? Which ones do you think may have been exaggerated by the biographer, and for what reason? Would the author of Becket’s biography have been a reliable source of information?
Read this excerpt from The Decameron about the Black Death. The author, Giovanni Boccaccio, was a contemporary of Chaucer’s and witnessed the devastation of the Black Death first-hand in Italy until he, too, succumbed to it. The excerpt may seem like a screenplay for a zombie movie, but remember that the Black Death was a real disease that wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population.
Consider the influence of the Black Death on the world of 14th century Europe. How do you think society changed because of the plague? Think about why people make pilgrimages today and what significance these journeys hold. Why do you think Chaucer’s pilgrims were making such a journey? Do you think it had anything to do with the Black Death?
Look at this sample of Chaucer’s original Middle English next to a modern translation, and click here to hear the Prologue to The Canterbury Tales read aloud in Middle English. What similarities do you notice? What differences? Can you guess what some of the Middle English words mean without referring to the translation?
Chaucer lived during a very tumultuous era in England’s history. For a good summary of the effect the major events of the fourteenth century as well as his own experiences had on his life and writing, click this link. Did anything about Chaucer’s life and times surprise you? Can you think of any events taking place at the time that the author of the article left out?
For insight into Chaucer’s opinions as evidenced in his writing, read this article. Were any of Chaucer’s opinions controversial at the time? Are they still controversial today? How do you think Chaucer got away with it? Do you agree with the author’s assessment of Chaucer’s opinions, or do you think she may be putting her own spin on things?
This link will take you to an article about the history of Canterbury Cathedral, the intended destination of Chaucer’s pilgrims. The article includes many pictures of the interior and exterior as well as a map of the region, so you can get a better idea of where the pilgrims were and where they were going.
The holy relic at Canterbury Cathedral is the cilice, or “hair shirt,” of St. Thomas Becket Here is a Wikipedia article about Thomas Becket with solid, reliable citations. (Remember that it is important to consider the source of one’s information!) Who was Thomas Becket? How did he become a saint? What is a cilice and why did he wear one?
Here is a link to an eyewitness account of Becket’s death, written by Becket’s biographer, a monk named Edward Grim. What details do you think may have been accurate? Which ones do you think may have been exaggerated by the biographer, and for what reason? Would the author of Becket’s biography have been a reliable source of information?
Read this excerpt from The Decameron about the Black Death. The author, Giovanni Boccaccio, was a contemporary of Chaucer’s and witnessed the devastation of the Black Death first-hand in Italy until he, too, succumbed to it. The excerpt may seem like a screenplay for a zombie movie, but remember that the Black Death was a real disease that wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population.
Consider the influence of the Black Death on the world of 14th century Europe. How do you think society changed because of the plague? Think about why people make pilgrimages today and what significance these journeys hold. Why do you think Chaucer’s pilgrims were making such a journey? Do you think it had anything to do with the Black Death?
Here is your assignment:
You are a biographer in the 14th century, writing about the life and personality of one of Chaucer’s pilgrims. You have already been assigned your pilgrim in class. Use the search feature (Ctrl + F) to find the questions you must answer about your pilgrim by typing in his or her name. Use the resource links provided to answer certain questions and your imagination for the rest. Keep in mind all you have learned about life in fourteenth century England.
You must also include a picture of your pilgrim, drawn by you. This link will take you to a collection of images of fourteenth century art, specifically art featuring the fashions of the period. At the bottom of this page is another collection of helpful images. This site provides several more reference pictures as well as detailed descriptions of clothing styles. Use these links to get ideas for what your pilgrim may be wearing, keeping in mind Chaucer’s own descriptions of each pilgrim’s physical appearance given in the Prologue.
You must also include a picture of your pilgrim, drawn by you. This link will take you to a collection of images of fourteenth century art, specifically art featuring the fashions of the period. At the bottom of this page is another collection of helpful images. This site provides several more reference pictures as well as detailed descriptions of clothing styles. Use these links to get ideas for what your pilgrim may be wearing, keeping in mind Chaucer’s own descriptions of each pilgrim’s physical appearance given in the Prologue.
The Knight (lines 43-80)
Based on Chaucer’s description of the Knight, what kind of person do you think he was? Invent an appropriate name for him.
Why does Chaucer place so much emphasis on the Knight’s battle history? Does Chaucer’s description of the knight seem contradictory at any point?
Chaucer says the Knight is returning from a voyage, most likely from the battlefield to the inn. Why do you think the Knight is going to Canterbury? What significance would a pilgrimage have to him?
Go here for a brief reminder about what chivalry is and why it is significant to the Knight. Follow the links on the left side of the page to find out about Chivalric Orders and Heraldry. Invent a name for the Knight’s chivalric order. For extra credit, design the coat of arms the Knight might have worn on his armor or on his banner.
Why does Chaucer place so much emphasis on the Knight’s battle history? Does Chaucer’s description of the knight seem contradictory at any point?
Chaucer says the Knight is returning from a voyage, most likely from the battlefield to the inn. Why do you think the Knight is going to Canterbury? What significance would a pilgrimage have to him?
Go here for a brief reminder about what chivalry is and why it is significant to the Knight. Follow the links on the left side of the page to find out about Chivalric Orders and Heraldry. Invent a name for the Knight’s chivalric order. For extra credit, design the coat of arms the Knight might have worn on his armor or on his banner.
The Squire (81-103)
The Squire is the son of the Knight. Based on Chaucer’s description of the Squire, what sort of relationship do you think he had with his father?
Does the Squire take battle as seriously as his father? Why or why not?
Are there any modern celebrities or characters that resemble the Squire? What about them is similar?
Why do you think the Squire is going to Canterbury?
Click here for an example of the kind of music the Squire might have played on his flute. Why do you think his music was so important to him?
Does the Squire take battle as seriously as his father? Why or why not?
Are there any modern celebrities or characters that resemble the Squire? What about them is similar?
Why do you think the Squire is going to Canterbury?
Click here for an example of the kind of music the Squire might have played on his flute. Why do you think his music was so important to him?
The Yeoman (104-121)
Invent an appropriate name for the Yeoman.
What does the Yeoman do for a living? Who does he work for? (Read carefully!) What is his “true” vocation? How do you think he feels about his current job?
Chaucer gives only a physical description of the Yeoman. Using clues from the description, what kind of personality do you think the Yeoman might have had?
Why do you think the Yeoman is going to Canterbury?
Click here for information about St. Christopher. (This article is poorly written, but contains valuable information.) Why do you think the Yeoman wears a St. Christopher’s medallion?
What does the Yeoman do for a living? Who does he work for? (Read carefully!) What is his “true” vocation? How do you think he feels about his current job?
Chaucer gives only a physical description of the Yeoman. Using clues from the description, what kind of personality do you think the Yeoman might have had?
Why do you think the Yeoman is going to Canterbury?
Click here for information about St. Christopher. (This article is poorly written, but contains valuable information.) Why do you think the Yeoman wears a St. Christopher’s medallion?
The Prioress (122-166)
What is the Prioress’s name? What does she do for a living?
What kind of a person is the Prioress? How does the narrator feel about her? Cite specific details given in Chaucer’s description to support your opinions.
Who is traveling with the Prioress? How do you think they get along?
This link will take you to a list of common Latin phrases. Find and define “amor vincit omnia.” Why do you think the Prioress is wearing a piece of jewelry with this phrase on it?
Why do you think the Prioress is going to Canterbury?
What kind of a person is the Prioress? How does the narrator feel about her? Cite specific details given in Chaucer’s description to support your opinions.
Who is traveling with the Prioress? How do you think they get along?
This link will take you to a list of common Latin phrases. Find and define “amor vincit omnia.” Why do you think the Prioress is wearing a piece of jewelry with this phrase on it?
Why do you think the Prioress is going to Canterbury?
The Monk (165-207)
Invent an appropriate name for the Monk. What kind of a man is he? What does he like to do best?
How does the Monk serve God and his community? How does he feel about tradition? Cite specific details from the description to support your opinions.
What message do you think Chaucer is trying to convey about the Church through this character?
Click here to read brief descriptions of different medieval monastic orders. Which order do you think the Monk belongs to? Is he adhering to the tenets of his order?
Why do you think the Monk is going to Canterbury?
How does the Monk serve God and his community? How does he feel about tradition? Cite specific details from the description to support your opinions.
What message do you think Chaucer is trying to convey about the Church through this character?
Click here to read brief descriptions of different medieval monastic orders. Which order do you think the Monk belongs to? Is he adhering to the tenets of his order?
Why do you think the Monk is going to Canterbury?
The Friar (208-269)
What is the Friar’s name?
How does the Friar make his living? Is he ashamed or proud of his actions?
How does the Friar feel about the poor? Why does he feel this way? How does he feel about women? Cite specific details from Chaucer’s description to support your opinions.
Read this blog post about the formation of the Franciscans, one of the most prominent mendicant orders, and note the reasons the author gives for why the movement caught on. Do you think the Friar embodies these reasons? Do you think he would be a good representative for the mendicant movement? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Friar is going to Canterbury?
How does the Friar make his living? Is he ashamed or proud of his actions?
How does the Friar feel about the poor? Why does he feel this way? How does he feel about women? Cite specific details from Chaucer’s description to support your opinions.
Read this blog post about the formation of the Franciscans, one of the most prominent mendicant orders, and note the reasons the author gives for why the movement caught on. Do you think the Friar embodies these reasons? Do you think he would be a good representative for the mendicant movement? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Friar is going to Canterbury?
The Merchant (270-284)
Invent an appropriate name for the Merchant. Where is he from? What is his home like?
Chaucer has hidden a clever pun in his description of the Merchant. Can you find it? (Hint: It has to do with money.) Come up with as many puns as you can that Chaucer could have used in his description.
What secret is the Merchant keeping? Why do you think he wants to cover up this fact about himself?
Here is some information about medieval businesses. What kind of business do you think the merchant runs? Is he successful at it? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Merchant is going to Canterbury?
Chaucer has hidden a clever pun in his description of the Merchant. Can you find it? (Hint: It has to do with money.) Come up with as many puns as you can that Chaucer could have used in his description.
What secret is the Merchant keeping? Why do you think he wants to cover up this fact about himself?
Here is some information about medieval businesses. What kind of business do you think the merchant runs? Is he successful at it? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Merchant is going to Canterbury?
The Oxford Cleric (285-308)
Invent an appropriate name for the Cleric. What kind of person is he? What does he love best?
Why is it significant to note the number of books the Cleric wishes he had? (Hint: The Canterbury Tales was written between 1387 and 1392.)
How does the narrator feel about the Cleric? Why do you think he feels this way? Cite specific details from Chaucer’s description of the Cleric to support your opinions.
This article talks about the history of the different colleges at Oxford University. (Though we use the words interchangeably, a college is actually a component of a university, like the College of Education or the College of Pharmacy at ETSU.) In what ways does the Cleric’s university experience resemble that of a modern-day college student? In what ways are these experiences different?
Why do you think the Cleric is going to Canterbury?
Why is it significant to note the number of books the Cleric wishes he had? (Hint: The Canterbury Tales was written between 1387 and 1392.)
How does the narrator feel about the Cleric? Why do you think he feels this way? Cite specific details from Chaucer’s description of the Cleric to support your opinions.
This article talks about the history of the different colleges at Oxford University. (Though we use the words interchangeably, a college is actually a component of a university, like the College of Education or the College of Pharmacy at ETSU.) In what ways does the Cleric’s university experience resemble that of a modern-day college student? In what ways are these experiences different?
Why do you think the Cleric is going to Canterbury?
The Lawyer (309-330)
Invent an appropriate name for the Lawyer. What kind of a person is he?
Chaucer says the Lawyer rides badly. Why might this be so?
Read about Old St. Paul’s Cathedral to discover what “Paul’s walk” is. Why do you think the Lawyer went there to give legal advisement? Do you think he was successful as a lawyer?
Where do you think the Lawyer is from? Use clues from the article to support your opinion.
Why do you think the Lawyer is going to Canterbury?
Chaucer says the Lawyer rides badly. Why might this be so?
Read about Old St. Paul’s Cathedral to discover what “Paul’s walk” is. Why do you think the Lawyer went there to give legal advisement? Do you think he was successful as a lawyer?
Where do you think the Lawyer is from? Use clues from the article to support your opinion.
Why do you think the Lawyer is going to Canterbury?
The Franklin (331-360)
Invent an appropriate name for the Franklin. What sort of person do you think he is?
Can you identify the allusions in the Franklin’s description? (Hint: There are two.) When you have identified them, click here and here to discover what they mean. Why do you think Chaucer made these allusions when describing the Franklin?
Why does Chaucer enumerate the kinds of foods the Franklin likes to eat? Is there anything unusual about the Franklin’s choice of food?
What are some of the Franklin’s various duties? Why do you think he holds so many positions?
Why do you think the Franklin is going to Canterbury?
Can you identify the allusions in the Franklin’s description? (Hint: There are two.) When you have identified them, click here and here to discover what they mean. Why do you think Chaucer made these allusions when describing the Franklin?
Why does Chaucer enumerate the kinds of foods the Franklin likes to eat? Is there anything unusual about the Franklin’s choice of food?
What are some of the Franklin’s various duties? Why do you think he holds so many positions?
Why do you think the Franklin is going to Canterbury?
The Haberdasher, the Dyer, the Carpenter, the Weaver, and the Carpet-maker
(361-378)
Chaucer describes all of these men in the same paragraph. Why do you think he does so?
What kind of person do these men seem to be? What kind of relationship do they have with one another? What kind of relationship do they have with their wives?
Are these men successful at their respective trades? What evidence is there to support your opinion?
Here is some information on medieval guilds. Why did workers form guilds? What were the benefits of belonging to a guild?
Why do you think these men are going to Canterbury? Why are they traveling together?
What kind of person do these men seem to be? What kind of relationship do they have with one another? What kind of relationship do they have with their wives?
Are these men successful at their respective trades? What evidence is there to support your opinion?
Here is some information on medieval guilds. Why did workers form guilds? What were the benefits of belonging to a guild?
Why do you think these men are going to Canterbury? Why are they traveling together?
The Cook (379-387)
Chaucer gives little information about the Cook’s personality. What sort of person do you imagine he was, and why? Invent an appropriate name for him.
What physical ailment does the Cook have? Why does Chaucer think this is an important detail?
Who is the Cook traveling with, and why?
This site contains information about medieval foods. How were meals different for the rich and the poor? What kinds of foods might the Host in Chaucer’s Prologue serve to the pilgrims at the Tabard inn?
Here is a recipe for blancmanger, the dish the Cook is an expert at making. Do you think it sounds appetizing?
What physical ailment does the Cook have? Why does Chaucer think this is an important detail?
Who is the Cook traveling with, and why?
This site contains information about medieval foods. How were meals different for the rich and the poor? What kinds of foods might the Host in Chaucer’s Prologue serve to the pilgrims at the Tabard inn?
Here is a recipe for blancmanger, the dish the Cook is an expert at making. Do you think it sounds appetizing?
The Skipper (388-410)
Invent an appropriate name for the Skipper. Where is he from? What is the name of his ship? Is he a gentle or a stern man?
Read lines 399-400. In plain English, what does the Skipper do to his enemies when he wins a fight?
Chaucer says the Skipper rides “sadly.” What do you think this means, and why?
Click here for a good summary of medieval ships and life on the water. What kind of boat do you think the Skipper sailed? What was daily life like for the Skipper while at sea?
Here is a very cool video about the excavation and restoration of a medieval ship unearthed in 2002. Why do you think this is an important project?
Read lines 399-400. In plain English, what does the Skipper do to his enemies when he wins a fight?
Chaucer says the Skipper rides “sadly.” What do you think this means, and why?
Click here for a good summary of medieval ships and life on the water. What kind of boat do you think the Skipper sailed? What was daily life like for the Skipper while at sea?
Here is a very cool video about the excavation and restoration of a medieval ship unearthed in 2002. Why do you think this is an important project?
The Physician (411-444)
Invent an appropriate name for the Physician. What kind of person do you think he is? What does he love best of all?
(Read carefully!)
Why do you think the Physician chose to practice medicine? Is he good at it? According to Chaucer’s description, what are some of the methods he uses to diagnose and treat patients?
Read lines 437-438. Why doesn’t the Physician read the Bible? Is this a significant detail, given the context? What authors does the Physician prefer to read?
Explore this website to find out more about medieval medicinal practices. What does Chaucer mean when he says the Physician could identify “humors”? What effect might the Black Death have had on the Physician’s professional life? Why might the Physician be a particularly controversial character in Chaucer’s time?
Why do you think the Physician was going to Canterbury?
(Read carefully!)
Why do you think the Physician chose to practice medicine? Is he good at it? According to Chaucer’s description, what are some of the methods he uses to diagnose and treat patients?
Read lines 437-438. Why doesn’t the Physician read the Bible? Is this a significant detail, given the context? What authors does the Physician prefer to read?
Explore this website to find out more about medieval medicinal practices. What does Chaucer mean when he says the Physician could identify “humors”? What effect might the Black Death have had on the Physician’s professional life? Why might the Physician be a particularly controversial character in Chaucer’s time?
Why do you think the Physician was going to Canterbury?
The Wife of Bath (445-476)
We’ll learn more about the Wife of Bath when we read the story Chaucer tells through her in The Canterbury Tales, but all you have to go on now is her description in the Prologue. Why is she referred to as the Wife of Bath?
Invent an appropriate name for the Wife of Bath. What sort of person is she?
Read this article on medieval matrimony carefully to answer the following questions. (For clarification on the issue of medieval divorce, check this site.) How was marriage in the Middle Ages different from marriage today? Why do you think the Wife of Bath has been married so many times? Do her experiences make her, as Chaucer claims, an expert on love?
Do you think the Wife of Bath might have been a controversial character in Chaucer’s time? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Wife of Bath is going to Canterbury?
Invent an appropriate name for the Wife of Bath. What sort of person is she?
Read this article on medieval matrimony carefully to answer the following questions. (For clarification on the issue of medieval divorce, check this site.) How was marriage in the Middle Ages different from marriage today? Why do you think the Wife of Bath has been married so many times? Do her experiences make her, as Chaucer claims, an expert on love?
Do you think the Wife of Bath might have been a controversial character in Chaucer’s time? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Wife of Bath is going to Canterbury?
The Parson (477-528)
Invent an appropriate name for the Parson. What sort of man was he? Cite specific details from the description to support your opinions.
Why do you think the Parson’s description is so long compared to the descriptions of the Friar and the Monk? In what ways do these characters resemble each other? In what ways are they different? Does the Parson share characteristics with any of the other characters?
Read lines 496-497. What does the phrase “first he wrought and then he taught” mean?
Scroll down to the middle of this page to find an excerpt from a prayer that was popular during Chaucer’s time. Do you think the Parson might have said this prayer during one of his sermons? If so, why do you think the message these words convey might have been important to him?
Why do you think the Parson’s description is so long compared to the descriptions of the Friar and the Monk? In what ways do these characters resemble each other? In what ways are they different? Does the Parson share characteristics with any of the other characters?
Read lines 496-497. What does the phrase “first he wrought and then he taught” mean?
Scroll down to the middle of this page to find an excerpt from a prayer that was popular during Chaucer’s time. Do you think the Parson might have said this prayer during one of his sermons? If so, why do you think the message these words convey might have been important to him?
The Plowman (529-544)
Invent an appropriate name for the Plowman. What sort of man is he?
Which character is the Plowman related to? How do you think they get along? In what ways have they influenced each other?
What does the Plowman love a lot? What does he love most? (Read carefully! Give specific answers.) In what way does he show his love for these things?
Search this site for information on the structure of social classes in the Middle Ages. To which social class does the Plowman belong? Pretend you are the innkeeper at the Tabard inn, where the pilgrims are gathered. Where would you seat the Plowman at dinner? Who else would be near him?
Which character is the Plowman related to? How do you think they get along? In what ways have they influenced each other?
What does the Plowman love a lot? What does he love most? (Read carefully! Give specific answers.) In what way does he show his love for these things?
Search this site for information on the structure of social classes in the Middle Ages. To which social class does the Plowman belong? Pretend you are the innkeeper at the Tabard inn, where the pilgrims are gathered. Where would you seat the Plowman at dinner? Who else would be near him?
The Miller (545-566)
Invent an appropriate name for the Miller. What sort of person is he?
What is the Miller’s one physical attribute that catches Chaucer by surprise? How do you think this happened?
Is the Miller originally from England? If not, where do you think he might be from? What details from his description support your opinion?
The Miller likes to tell ribald and sinful tales, of which Chaucer himself has written quite a few… but let’s not go there. Instead, click here to view a gallery of images of some of England’s most popular medieval legends. What do the characters in these stories have in common? Why do you think it was important for people in the Middle Ages to tell stories like these?
What is the Miller’s one physical attribute that catches Chaucer by surprise? How do you think this happened?
Is the Miller originally from England? If not, where do you think he might be from? What details from his description support your opinion?
The Miller likes to tell ribald and sinful tales, of which Chaucer himself has written quite a few… but let’s not go there. Instead, click here to view a gallery of images of some of England’s most popular medieval legends. What do the characters in these stories have in common? Why do you think it was important for people in the Middle Ages to tell stories like these?
The Manciple (567-586)
Here is the definition of “manciple.” What does the Manciple do for a living? Invent an appropriate name for him.
This is a difficult passage in the prologue. Read through it once. What do you think Chaucer is trying to say about the Manciple? Now read it again more carefully. Did you notice any new details the second time? Did your understanding of the Manciple’s description change?
Read the translation of the Manciple’s description found on this page. Compare it to the Middle English translation on the right side of the screen. Which translation do you prefer, the one on the website or the one in your textbook? Which stays more true to the original text?
Why do you think the Manciple is going to Canterbury?
This is a difficult passage in the prologue. Read through it once. What do you think Chaucer is trying to say about the Manciple? Now read it again more carefully. Did you notice any new details the second time? Did your understanding of the Manciple’s description change?
Read the translation of the Manciple’s description found on this page. Compare it to the Middle English translation on the right side of the screen. Which translation do you prefer, the one on the website or the one in your textbook? Which stays more true to the original text?
Why do you think the Manciple is going to Canterbury?
The Reeve (587-622)
Here is the definition of “reeve.” What does the Reeve do for a living? Is he good at it? Is he well-liked? Why or why not?
Invent an appropriate name for the Reeve. Where is he from? (Read carefully!)
Is the Reeve a generous man? Why or why not? Cite specific details from the description to support your opinion.
What position does the Reeve occupy in the pilgrims’ traveling formation? Why do you think he chose that spot?
What is the Reeve riding upon? How does his mount compare to those of the other pilgrims? What does the Reeve’s choice of mount say about him?
Invent an appropriate name for the Reeve. Where is he from? (Read carefully!)
Is the Reeve a generous man? Why or why not? Cite specific details from the description to support your opinion.
What position does the Reeve occupy in the pilgrims’ traveling formation? Why do you think he chose that spot?
What is the Reeve riding upon? How does his mount compare to those of the other pilgrims? What does the Reeve’s choice of mount say about him?
The Summoner (623-668)
Chaucer certainly paints a pretty picture of the Summoner! Can you find any instances of sarcasm or irony in the Summoner’s description? Do you think the Summoner is pleasant to be around? Why or why not? Invent an appropriate name for him.
What does the Summoner do when he is drunk? Why does he do this?
Search this article for a description of medieval law, including the kinds of crimes one could be summoned to court for. Is the Summoner an honest man, or does he abuse his position? Do you think he enjoys his job?
Why do you think Chaucer made this character so offensive to look at?
Why do you think the Summoner is going to Canterbury?
What does the Summoner do when he is drunk? Why does he do this?
Search this article for a description of medieval law, including the kinds of crimes one could be summoned to court for. Is the Summoner an honest man, or does he abuse his position? Do you think he enjoys his job?
Why do you think Chaucer made this character so offensive to look at?
Why do you think the Summoner is going to Canterbury?
The Pardoner (669-714)
Read this article to determine what the Pardoner does for a living. Why is his job important?
Is the Pardoner an honest man? Why or why not? Is he successful at his job?
How does the Pardoner make money on the side? Why is this a particularly cruel thing to do?
Where was the Pardoner before he came to the Tabard inn? (Read carefully!) What business do you think he had there? Why did he come back?
Do you think the other pilgrims trust the Pardoner? Why or why not? Be as specific as you can.
Is the Pardoner an honest man? Why or why not? Is he successful at his job?
How does the Pardoner make money on the side? Why is this a particularly cruel thing to do?
Where was the Pardoner before he came to the Tabard inn? (Read carefully!) What business do you think he had there? Why did he come back?
Do you think the other pilgrims trust the Pardoner? Why or why not? Be as specific as you can.
This WebQuest was created by Sarah Cox of East Tennessee State University.
All links and images were used without express permission, but were accessed via Google.
To see the rubric that accompanies this assignment, click here.