The Canterbury Tales Writing Project Choose a group of two or three to work with –Choose wisely as you will be receiving a “group participation” grade from which points will be deducted each day if your group is not on task. Everyone in the group must have a copy of the work generated each day.
Prewriting stage List six pilgrims who will go on a journey to some medieval location. Complete the “Kingdomality” webquest for some medieval profession ideas. Kingdomality” webquest Kingdomality” webquest Describe them in detail: What do they look like? How do they act? What are their jobs?
Narrator: Decide which pilgrim will be your narrator. OR… Choose another type of narrator. –A pilgrim not listed as one of your six –An omniscient narrator
Framework Setting and purpose of your Project What medieval setting will you use? Where are they all going? (jousting tournament, coronation, beheading, etc.) What is the purpose of the journey? Why are these people telling stories? (to pass the time, win a prize)
Prewriting conference grade: As a group, conference with me. Everyone needs a copy! –Be sure to label all of the parts Six pilgrims well described A narrator Your framework –due by the end of the period on Friday, 12/5
First draft stage Write a prologue to introduce your pilgrims and framework story. –Use rhymed couplets of iambic pentameter (5 stressed syllables per line) –Devote at least eight lines to each character for a total of 48 lines minimum. –Devote at least 26 (or more) lines to your framework. This can come before your character descriptions, after your character descriptions, or divided up before AND after your character descriptions.
Iambic Pentameter Rhythm-iambic pentameter (five primary stresses) Must have ten syllables per line Rhyme—rhymed couplets (2 rhymed lines) Punctuate them appropriately—most couplets are complete sentences half rhyme is okay Group conference after you have 12 lines written. Every member of the group needs a copy. Example from “The Miller’s Tale” Some time ago there was a rich old codger Who lived in Oxford and who took a lodger. The fellow was a carpenter by trade, His lodger a poor student who had made Some studies in the arts, but all his fancy Turned to astrology and geomancy.
Syllable chart When your entire “Prologue” is written: Complete ONE syllable chart for the group to guarantee that you have ten syllables per line. Your “Prologue” will have a minimum of 74 lines… –8 lines of description per pilgrim (48) –26 lines of your framework/background story Turn in on December 18 to your teacher.
Final Draft Type in a poetry format— Line by line Centered on the page Capitalize the first word of each line even if it is not the beginning of a sentence. Punctuate perfectly. Proofread!!!!! Submit your final draft to turnitin.com By 7:30 a.m. on 12/18 Follow your teacher’s directions.
The ___________Tales by Name, Name, and Name Minimum 74 rhymed lines Properly punctuated First word of every line capitalized Double spaced and centered on the page Professions italicized, highlighted or bold-faced Includes framework, characters Should also transition into the tale if you are including one for extra credit The General Prologue The _____’s Tale Up to +10 points extra credit Minimum 50 rhymed lines Properly punctuated First word of every line capitalized Double spaced and centered on the page Moral should be exactly stated in last two lines