The Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer

His Life Chaucer was born about 1340 He was the son of a well-to-do merchant and was given an excellent education Because of his education, he worked among the wealthy of London, and was close to the royal family His job allowed him to work with wealthy people and travel to France and Italy

Chaucer’s most famous work is The Canterbury Tales Many of the characters and stories in the Tales are drawn from actual people and events in his life Chaucer chose to write in English, an important contribution that led to English becoming the language of England This piece is written in couplets of iambic pentameter

Background The Canterbury Tales are a frame story/narrative The pilgrims are traveling from London to Canterbury Cathedral They meet at the Tabard Inn in London The host, Harry Bailey, suggests they tell stories to pass the time as they travel to Canterbury The one who tells the best story will be rewarded with a special meal when they return to London

The characters in the Tales cover virtually every level of Middle Ages society Only a serf and a king are missing Chaucer is a master of characterization — he understands human nature and describes people with amazing accuracy and insight Notice Chaucer’s tone, which is often satirical

The Tales are often humorous and satirical They must be read understanding that Chaucer often means the opposite of what he says He does not criticize an entire profession or institution, but, rather, points out how people can abuse power and hurt others with their selfishness Sometimes his humor is actually criticism, and his praise is ironic

Literary Terms Petrarchan sonnet — A type of sonnet with an octet that establishes a position or problem, and a sestet that resolves it Couplet — A pair of successive rhymed lines of poetry usually emphasizing a complete thought Iambic Pentameter — A poetic line of five feet written in iambic meter Tone — The attitude a writer takes toward the subject or the reader of a work of literature Characterization — The process by which an author reveals the personality of a character

Irony — A contrast or discrepancy between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen Satire — A literary work that mocks or ridicules the stupidity or vices of individuals, groups, institutions, or society in general Fabliaux - a short metrical tale, usually ribald and humorous, popular in medieval France Farce — a light, humorous play in which the plot depends upon a skillfully exploited situation rather than upon the development of character Perspective — The vantage point from which a literary work is presented to the reader

Lesson Focus Experience the themes, forms, and variety of early British poetry Identify underlying religious, political, and social tensions in “The Canterbury Tales,” as they apply to the period Create a presentation for “The Canterbury Tales,” which will include a visual aide and an oral presentation

Class Work Read introduction to the Prologue, pages 36 — 38, and discuss, paying particular attention to words and unfamiliar terminology Read the section about the Knight, pages 38 — 39; answer the corresponding questions on the study guide

Homework Literary Critique questions 1 —4, page 56 Individual Character Analysis — Character Trading Cards be prepared to present characters at the next class meeting

Class Work Read the Prologue to the Pardoner's Tale, Pages 58-59 Follow in the text, answering the following questions from the text: In what way is the Pardoner a "do as I say, not as I do" person? Does the Pardoner care about the souls of his listeners? What is the Pardoner's "principal intent" (line 18)? What aspect of human nature does the Pardoner exploit in order to attain his goal? What is his goal?

Home Work The Pardoner's Tale, pages 58 — 66 Complete reading The Pardoner’s Tale Writing Workshop, page 66, #2

Evaluations Trading Cards Essay Worksheets Reading Comprehension for The Canterbury Tales