English 12 Chu
The Canterbury Tales: Pilgrim Presentation Project
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is a narrative poem about a pilgrimage of characters from the Middle Ages who travel to the shrine of Canterbury. Along the way, Chaucer offers detailed descriptions of each of his characters and gives great insight into their personalities, attitudes, and societal positions.
Your task will be to examine one of these characters in detail and then describe what you have learned about your assigned pilgrim to the rest of the class during a formal oral presentation. While reviewing your reading, be sure to look for subtle nuances in the text and literary techniques that will reveal irony, sarcasm, and criticism in Chaucer’s writing. Chaucer was a master of implication and subtlety and he provides criticism of his contemporary society through some of his characters.
Instructions:
1. After your pilgrim has been assigned, locate your character in the “Prologue” and pay close attention to the details and description Chaucer uses to characterize him or her. You should take careful notes on the details you find during your re-reading and should be prepared to read the passage a few additional times.
2. Using a sheet of poster paper, illustrate your pilgrim, staying true to the description provided by Chaucer. Since your objective is to teach the class about Chaucer’s characterization of this pilgrim, include any criticisms present in his writing. All physical characteristics, clothing, and equipment should be clearly visible on your poster. (On the back of the poster, write the name of your character and the names of your group members.)
3. Clearly label your poster with other important details related to your character. Be sure to include personality traits and other characteristics that are meant to stand out.
4. Chaucer tended to criticize many of the characters on the pilgrimage. Be sure to read closely and attempt to note these criticisms. In addition, many of the pilgrims were guilty of one or more of the “Seven Deadly Sins.” Read closely to discover if your pilgrim is guilty of one or more of these sins. Label the sin the pilgrim is guilty of clearly on your poster. Briefly describe how the pilgrim is guilty of that particular sin.
5. You will be required to present your pilgrim to the rest of the class. You need to present the following:
a. Read the full text of the pilgrim’s description from the “Prologue” at or near the start of your presentation.
b. The name of the pilgrim and an explanation of his or her role or function in Medieval society.
c. The prominent physical features of the pilgrim, including equipment and clothing.
d. The prominent mental, emotional, and spiritual characteristics of the pilgrim.
e. Any criticism Chaucer exhibits toward the pilgrim, noting irony and sarcasm.
f. Your presentation should last roughly five minutes. All group members must be present and participate in the presentation in order to receive credit for the assignment.
You will be scored on the accuracy and quality of your information, the overall quality of your poster, and the quality of your oral presentation.