Chaucer's Pilgrims and Their Traits

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 1300s, is a collection of 24 stories framed around a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Chaucer uses satire to critique English society, addressing themes like gender, religion, and morality. The narrative introduces a diverse group of pilgrims, each with unique traits and stories, from the noble Knight to the deceptive Pardoner. The tales explore human failings and societal conflicts, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval life.

What significant event in history occurred shortly before Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales?

• The Norman Conquest

• The signing of the Magna Carta

• The bubonic plague

• The War of the Roses

What is the main structure of The Canterbury Tales?

• A single continuous story

• A collection of poems

• A series of letters

• A collection of stories within a framed narrative

Who is the first pilgrim introduced by the narrator?

• The Squire

• The Knight

• The Yeoman

• The Prioress

What is the Squire known for?

• His chivalry and battles

• His musical talents and literary ambitions

• His religious devotion

• His culinary skills

What is the Prioress's brooch inscribed with?

• Fortune favors the bold

• In God We Trust

• Amor vincit omnia

• Carpe Diem

Which pilgrim is described as preferring hunting over reading?

• The Friar

• The Monk

• The Clerk

• The Summoner

What is the Merchant's notable characteristic according to the narrator?

• His wealth

• His honesty

• His generosity

• His mysterious reputation

What is the Wife of Bath known for?

• Her religious devotion

• Her skill in cloth-making

• Her legal expertise

• Her culinary skills

Which pilgrim is described as having a gap-toothed smile?

• The Pardoner

• The Summoner

• The Wife of Bath

• The Prioress

What is the Parson's approach to leading his parishioners?

• He acts first and preaches second

• He preaches first and acts second

• He only preaches

• He only acts