1. British Literature: Day 9
The Canterbury Tales introduction via PowerPoint completed
Review characterization, both direct and indirect (link on Moodle)
Read from The Canterbury Tales Prologue:
Lines 19-43: Introduction p
Sets the scene
The Pardoner: lines p
Introduces The Pardoner, who rides with The Summoner, another church employee who summons people to ecclesiastical court for wrongdoings.
Link on Moodle about buying pardons (indulgences) for more info
The Wife of Bath: lines p
Middle class, but upper class attitude; “expert” in love
Discuss and assign Modern Day Canterbury Tales, due block
Homework: Read from “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” p and fill out reading guide for Wife’s Tale.
Reading guide for both Pardoner and Wife due on Friday

2. Learning Targets
Students will learn how characterization impacts the reader’s understanding of a character and author’s message, as well as how Medieval society is reflected in an author’s work.

3. Direct Characterization
The author DIRECTLY tells us about the qualities of the character’s personality.
The knight is described, on p. 96, lines 70-74:
“And though so much distinguished, he was wise/ and in his bearing modest as a maid. He never yet a boorish (crude; bad mannered) thing had said/ In all his life to any, come what might;/ He was a true, a perfect gentle-knight.”
These are things we cannot see from a character’s personality. We can only learn these things if directly told.

4. Indirect Characterization
The author INDIRECTLY tells us about the qualities of the character’s personality.
The writer reveals a character through their words (speech), thoughts, and actions, as well as through what other characters think and say about that character.
The Summoner is described, on p. 110, lines :
“His face on fire, like a cherubin,/ For he had carbuncles. His eyes were narrow,/ He was as hot and lecherous as a sparrow./ Black and scabby brows he had, and a thin beard./ Children were afraid when he appeared…Garlic he loved, and onions too, and leeks,/ And drinking strong read wine till all was hazy.”
These are things we can observe…how the character speaks, his appearance, how others react to him.
If you ran into this guy on the street, would you want to stop and chat? What kind of character does he seem to be?