Name______
The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”)
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major physical traits/ and distinguishing features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AttributesThe Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 2
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Traits/ and Distinguishing Features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AttributesThe Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 3
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Traits/ and Distinguishing Features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AttributesThe Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 4
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Traits/ and Distinguishing Features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/Attributes***KEY***The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) ***KEY***
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Distinguishing Features& Traits / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AtributesChaucer (narrator) / Horse / Humorous, direct, observant, matter of fact, yet also sarcastic in a funny way, supplies details that reveal other pilgrims’ character traits
Knight / Fine horses / Modest stained clothing (tunic) / Battles for religious wars, brave, distinguished, strong, truthful, generous modest not boastful, revered, noble, wise, chivalrous, Christian, widely traveled and well received in foreign courts.
Squire (knight’s son) 20 years old / Horse / Curly hair and proud of his appearance, short gown with long sleeves. Wears red and white fresh flowers, good riddler, average height / Lusty, egotistical, a ladies man, stays up all night / Sings, plays the flute, writes melodies and poetry, can ride well- a squire is a knight in training. Educated-serves his father. He must learn to serve before he can be served. Agile, strong, needs very little sleep.
Yeoman ( a forester or outdoorsman) also an attendant in a royal household / Horse / Dresses in green, sturdy build, wears a St. Christopher’s Medal, is very tan. “brown like a nut” / May be a little too concerned with appearance / An expert woodsman, strong, loyal; his arrows are perfectly made from peacock feathers; a servant to the knight and squire, an excellent shot with a bow and arrow
Prioress (a nun corresponding in rank to a prior or second highest in a monestary where an abbot is the highest) / Horse / Very delicate & refined- her clothes are very neat and well kept; wears a gold brooch; ”amor vincit omino”- love conquers all. Her oath:”by St Loy”. She has chosen the most fashionable and good looking saint; her appearance is very important / Her emphasis is on appearance; she is more worldly than a nun should be; she would rather be a lady in court than a nun. Overly dramatic / Speaks French (thou not the high Parisian French) a very proper and careful eater, courteous & friendly (tried to emulate courtly manners; sentimental, emotional. (Note: one of her priests tell the most popular tale – The Tale of Chanticlear)
The Monk / Owns many a fine horse, rides a brown palfrey- saddle horse / He has big, sparkly eyeballs, fat, and bald; very fine clothes- some are even trimmed with fur, expensive riding boots, tan, greasy face “lover’s pin” has fast greyhounds at his side / Would rather be out hunting than secluded indoors. He is a monk with non-monastic activities. His love is worldly pleasures-expensive clothes, and food. Favorite food- roasted swan. He breaks the vow of poverty. / A great hunter, rider, loves the outdoors, personable, tries to justify his love of his horses and hunting. (owns hunting dogs, greyhounds)
The Friar (Hubert) a limiter, he is limited to the area where he can beg / Horse / Good voice, good singer, dresses not like a cloistered scholar, but like a doctor or the pope; lisped / Cunning, evil, money-hungry, wanton, he wants money instead of prayers for penance; he helps pregnant girls find husbands (but impregnated them) made a good living “penance giving”; knew the bars but not the almshouse. / Merry, plays the harp; also a hurdy gurdy(a cranked barrel organ). He is very good at what he does…getting money
The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 2
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Traits/ and Distinguishing Features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AttributesMerchant (a member of the wealthy middle-class / Horse / Forking beard; motley dress, sits high on his horse, beaver hat, daintily backed boots, serious solemn voice / Ironically this shrewd businessman is in debt. Money management is his downfall / A very knowledgeable businessman- knows a good bargain. He is important & respected in business; a very good bargainer.
Oxford Cleric (a student) / His horse is very thin / Very thin and has a hollow sober look; moral; poor as seen in his appearance, wears a threadbare overcoat / Only loves books / Loves books, learning and philosophy-studious and well educated; has no job in either the church or secular arena. Prefers books to clothes – spends all his money on education, moral, respectful, a man of few words.
Sergeant of Law ( an attorney) / Horse / Loud, garish dress wore a “homely parti-colored coat” and a silken pin stripe belt / He3 was probably less busy and less wise than most people thought; he appeared intelligent because he had memorized so many court cases (“since King William’s time”) but had no original thought or insight of his own / Has an incredible memory; well spoken, appears very wise because he has memorized so many cases. This has earned him much distinction & honor and Money (he had many a robe and many a tie)
The Franklin (a land owner: a freeholder of non noble birth, extensive holdings / Horse / White beard red complexion, caries a dagger and a white purse of pure silk / Spent his money freely-enjoys the good life: food, wine and company. “Epicurus’ son” loved sensual pleasures and luxurious living, pleasures of the flesh / Well liked by the other pilgrims, wealthy, but not of noble birth, has a well stocked house, food & wine and hosted many parties, generous
The guildsman (haberdasher, carpenter, dyer, weaver and carpet maker) / Horses / Well dressed “trim and fresh”, knives adorned with pure silver all their clothes look new / They were very concerned about their appearance, and their wives liked to “be seen” in church – it was like being at court. They enjoyed “having your mantle carried like a queen” materialistic, and showy / These men are representative of their various trades. Worthy guildsmen “fit to grace”,
Proud of their professions and did well financially
Cook / Horse / An oozing ulcer on his knee is the same color and consistency of his “blancmange” milk pudding / Questionable personal habits- with hygiene / A great cook with everything; bake, fry, boil, roast, simmer and stew uses spices well and can distinguish beer by its location
Skipper ( the shipman) / Borrowed a farmer’s horse and not comfortable on it / Bearded sun browned face, didn’t ride well, wears a woolen knee length gown and a dagger (a very good fighter) / “took no prisoners” they walked the plank, likes to drink. He lacks morals; he is dishonest. (While He transports wine for others, he helps himself to it.) / An excellent sailor. Knew about the stars, constellations, and navigation, sea currents. Owns his own barge, the Maudelayne. Hardy.
The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 3
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major Physical Traits/ and Distinguishing Features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AttributesThe Doctor (of physic) / Horse / Bright, deep red clothes(the color of blood: irony!) Very expensive clothes / He and the apothecaries benefit from eachothers’ trade and they seem to be in cahoots together. Loves gold-has a lot of money but spends little , does not read Bible. Miserly / A skilled doctor, very well educated in everything related to medicine, but not well versed in the Bible.
The Wife of Bathe / Horse / Very fancy dresser, fancy red stockings, widely spaced teeth, large hat, new shoes, somewhat deaf. / Always wanted to be first at the alter to give her offering and would be angry if someone was ahead of her; vain, very concerned with outward appearance / Well travelled been to Jerusalem 3x, and to Rome. Friendly and happy; likes to laugh and chat: her special knowledge and talent is remedies for love. Married 5 times, a good seamstress
The Parson (he practiced what he preached) / Horse / Very poor – no fancy dress (he is the contrast to the world, but supposedly religious people on this pilgrimage) / He is the ideal parish priest. Well educated, devout, diligent, serious, generous humble unpretentious, and hardworking.
The Plowman / Rides an old mare / Wears a tabard smock (a short heavy, course tunic) poor, no fancy clothes / He is honest and hardworking, lives in peace and harmony with God and nature; loves God with all his heart; poor but still pays his tithes on time.
The Miller (Robin is his name) / Horse / Big, brawny, burley, stout, big-boned strong, red beard, a wart on the end of his nose with bristles growing from it. He wears a blue and white hooded coat. / Tells dirty tavern stories, dishonest, steals grain from the people who bring it to him to be ground; a braggart (can tear a door from its hinges) / He is strong. He plays the bagpipes.
The Manciple (steward at a law school) / Horse / Illiterate, shrewd in his methods, has stashed away money for himself / He is in charge of purchasing food for the law school. He takes care of more than 30 lawyers in his dormitory, was an extraordinary buyer. Watched the market & got the best deals- a frugal caterer.
The Reeve (the manager of an estate) / Stallion (he rides slowly) / Skinny, bad-tempered, short beard, short haircut; long thin legs, blue overcoat; a rusty bladed knife; old, choleric / A great bargainerwho has put away money for himself through his shrewdness and deals. He is hated and has a very bad temper; intimidating. / Capable efficient; could predict next year’s crop by studying and observing natural weather phenomena: drought, rain, etc., All of the masters holding were under his charge. He is a master carpenter.
The Canterbury Tales Pilgrim Chart (from the “Prologue”) continued 4
Pilgrim / Transportation / Major physical characteristics/ distinguishing features / Follies/Vices/Negative Qualities / Positive Traits /Virtues/AtributesThe Summoner (his job is to sum sinners to church court trials) / Horse / Narrow eyes, black, scabby eyebrows, thin beard; red face full of pimples, Loves garlic, onions & strong wine, wears a garland on his head. / Children are afraid of him; lecherous; only knows a few words in Latin & he uses them over and Over. He is easily bribed, & he knows many secrets. He uses blackmail. Loves to drink and carouse. / None, except he is good at what he does.
The Pardoner (sells pardons) / Horse / Yellowlong greasy hair,that is thin hangs to his shoulders, wears a little cap, no hood. Buldging eyeballs; no beard. “ was either a gelding or a mare” – reference to his perverse sexuality. Carries a pillowcase of relics. / Most corrupt & despicable of the pilgrims. Wants money, sells fake relics and takes advantage of the poor country people. He sings the loudest at the offerings. / None except he too is good at what he does.
Harry Bailey (the host) / Horse / Bright eyes, a little overweight, a “striking man” – good looking; a bold, speaker, yet tactful, manly / He is an excellent host. He attends to the pilgrims’ needs at the inn. Supplies excellent food and wine; a good speaker; He is the one who proposes the idea of telling stories for entertainment on the pilgrimage: “no need to ride along as dumb as stones”, the best story gets a free dinner.
The Canterbury Tales Prologue Test
Part I: Multiple Choice.
- The pilgrimage takes place in the month of ______.
A. MarchB. AprilC. MayD. June
- The pilgrims are also called ______.
A. TravelersB. BoundersC. PalmersD. Seekers
- ______is the name of the inn.
A. TabardB. WaysideC. Pilgrims’ FareD. Shire’s End
- The pilgrims are traveling to ______.
A. CanterburyB. LondonC. SouthwarkD. Hastings
- The pilgrims will visit the shrine of _____.
A. Pope Innocent IIIB. St. Augustine of Hippo
C. St. Thomas AquinasD. St. Thomas a Becket
- The total number of people on the pilgrimage is ____.
A. 28B. 29C. 30D. 31
- Every level of medieval society is represented EXCEPT ______.
A. merchant classB. royaltyC. clergyD. peasantry
- According to the host’s plan, each pilgrim would tell ______tales.
A. twoB. fourC. eightD. ten
- The Canterbury Tales was originally written in ______.
A. LatinB. Anglo-SaxonC. Old EnglishD. Middle English
- “… [they] long to seek the stranger strands / Of far off saints, hallowed in sundry lands …”
This quotation indicates that these travelers hope to gain both grace and salvation from their earthly worries by making this pilgrimage; they will also be enriched by going to visit different ______.
A. manorsB. churchesC. placesD. castles
Part II: Matching: Pilgrims and Characteristics.
A. KnightB. SquireC. YeomanD. PrioressE. Monk
11. fat, jolly bald21. strong, agile, egotistical, youthful, lusty
12. sentimental, tenderhearted22. fur trimmed clothing; roasted swan
13. venerated, revered, respected23. epitome of chivalry and Christianity
14. coat and hood of green24. master of woodcraft
15. great rider, fancy riding boots25. extremely neat eater
16. experienced fighter26. served in religious, not secular wars
17. a ladies’ man27. sturdy, loyal strong outdoorsman
18. 4 attendants: 1 nun & 3 priests28. songs, poems, drawings, recitations
19. fine horses; modest, utilitarian dress29. knows French; fancy dresser; has lap dogs
20. peacock feathered arrows30. must learn to serve before he can be served
A. FriarB. MerchantC. Oxford ClericD. Sergeant at LawE. Franklin
31. white beard, red face; wine & fine food41. represents the new and rising middle class
32. good voice, good singer42. spends his money on books
33. both he and his horse are thin43. wants money, not prayers for penance
34. incredible memory and well spoken44. irony: shrewd in business, yet he is in debt
35. plays a harp and a hurdy-gurdy45. helps pregnant girls find husbands
36. sits high on his horse; beaver hat46. wealthy, well liked, generous, hospitable
37. philosophical, studious47. “hollow, sober look;” threadbare coat
38. “Epicurus’ son,” open house48. does not dress like a “cloistered scholar”
39. a wanton limiter49. “has won many a robe and many a fee”
40. loud, garish; appears wise and busy50. shrewd bargainer, knowledgeable businessman
A. GuildsmenB. CookC. SkipperD. DoctorE. Wife of Bath
51. sun browned face, bearded, good fighter61. “Blancmange”
52. well versed in astronomy and horoscopes62. widely traveled, friendly, happy, talkative
53. prosperous businessmen63. The Maudelayne (The Madeline)
54. fancy shoes, hose and garments64. an impressively outfitted fraternity
55. took no prisoners65. The Four Humors
56. oozing ulcer on knee66. excellent seamstress and dress maker
57. must be first at the church offering67. outstanding at preparing all types of cuisine
58. helps himself to the cargo he transports68. in league with apothecaries
59. well dressed, proper gentlemen69. cannot ride a horse very well
60. somewhat deaf; married five times70. expensive blood red garments, loves gold
A. ParsonB. PlowmanC. MillerD. Manciple
71. Tabard smock, rides an old mare79. well educated, devout, diligent
72. steward at a law school, caterer80. tells dirty tavern stories
73. helps the poor, pays tithes on time81. instead of taking money, he gives it away.
74. very poor financially, rich in Christian ideals82. lives in harmony with God and nature
75. big, burly, brawny, red beard, wart83. a shepherd to his flock
76. the ideal parish priest84. humble, hard working, unpretentious
77. shrewd, experienced bargain hunter85. irony: an illiterate in charge of 30 educated men
78. steals grain from his customers
A. ReeveB. SummonerC. PardonerD. Host
86. calls sinners to church court94. no beard, “a gelding or a mare”
87. manager of a large estate95. a capable, efficient steward of a manor
88. long, yellow, greasy hair; a despicable character96. the tales are his idea
89. children fear him97. lecherous, blackmailing carouser
90. rides a slow stallion, rides last98. pillowcase full of relics; corrupt
91. bold but tactful speaker99. can predict next year’s harvest
92. pimples, scabby eyebrows, thin beard100. loves garlic, onions, strong wine
93. tall, skinny, short hair and beard, skilled carpenter
***KEY***The Canterbury Tales Prologue Test***KEY***
1. b2. c
3. a
4. a
5. d
6. d
7. b
8. b
9. d
10. c
11. e
12. d
13. a
14. c
15. e
16. a
17. b
18. d
19. a
20. c
21. b
22. e
23. a
24. c
25. d / 26. a
27. c
28. b
29. d
30. b
31. e
32. a
33. c
34. d
35. a
36. b
37. c
38. e
39. a
40. d
41. b
42. c
43. a
44. b
45. a
46. e
47. c
48. a
49. d
50. b / 51. c
52. d
53. a
54. e
55. c
56. b
57. e
58. c
59. a
60. e
61. b
62. e
63. c
64. a
65. d
66. e
67. b
68. d
69. c
70. d
71. b
72. d
73. b
74. a
75. c / 76. a
77. d
78. c
79. a
80. c
81. a
82. b
83. a
84. a
85. d
86. b
87. a
88. c
89. b
90. c
91. d
92. b
93. a
94. c
95. a
96. d
97. b
98. c
99. a
100. b
The Canterbury Tales “Prologue” Writing Assignment
Geoffrey Chaucer described his pilgrims in rhymed couplets of iambic pentameter. In this assignment you will accurately describe yourself, imitating Chaucer’s style, meter, and rhyme scheme. I will read these out loud to see if your classmates can identify you by your candid and eloquent description. A sample follows at the bottom of the page; see if you can identify the subject!
Grading Criteria:
Proper heading & page numbering format