1. Introduction to The Nun’s Priest Tale

2. Definitions: Parody- -a humorous imitation of another work or type of work. Epic-long narrative poem that uses grand language to tell of noble characters and dramatic events. Nun’s Priest Tale parodies an epic called, Mock Heroic Style. How is this style used: 1. applies epic language to ordinary characters and trivial events. 2. Uses combination of subject matter and impressive descriptions to develop amusing or even ridiculous contrasts. Nun’s Priest Tale parodies a fable,a brief tale that points out a moral truth. Usually features animals as characters. (Aesop’s Fables) -By using non-human characters, a fable may protect the vanity of people even as it prods them into seeing a truth about their own follies.

3. Epic elements borrowed: 1. Hero’s elaborate boasts 2. Vivid accounts of battles 3. Intervention of supernatural forces Themes to look for: 1. Fate vs. free will 2. View of women 3. Chivalry 4. Dreams 5. Tragedy -Uses a heroic couplet : a stanza composed of two rhymed lines in Iambic pentameter. The following is an example : Taken from : http://www.types-of-poetry.org.uk/66-heroic- couplet.htm

4. Example of Heroic couplet Literary Term Excerpt from Cooper's Hill by John Denham O could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as it is my theme! Though deep, yet clear, though gentle, yet not dull, Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full.

5. -Main characters: 1. Chanticleer 2. Lady Pertelote 3. Sir Russel Fox -Nun’s Priest Tale comes after the Tale of the Monk which focuses on tragedy. -Chanticleer is used to represent that tragedy can change. -Tale alludes to the minds and questions of the 14 th century: 1. Predestination 2. Free will 3. Nature of dreams 4. Woman fall of man

6. Definitions: 1.Capital- (n.) wealth in the form of money or property 2.Timorous- (adj.) timid 3.Derision- (n.) contempt or ridicule 4.Maxim-(n.) general truth or rule of conduct, expressed in brief form 5.Stringent- (adj.) strict 6.Cant – (n.) insincere or meaningless talk 7.Melancholy- (n.) 1. sadness 2. black bile 3.deplorable 8.Gout-(n.) – 1.a hereditary form of recurrent, acute arthritis with swelling and severe pain. 2. A large splash, clot, glob etc. 9.Russet Cur- (n.)reddish brown or yellowish brown 10.Apothecary-(n.) a pharmacist or druggist. 11.Ascension- (n.) 1. the act of rising. 2. an advancement,as in rank. 3. Going back in time or line in ancestry 12.Gorge – (n.) 1. throat or gullet 2. crop or stomach of a hawk 3. feeling of disgust 13.Rhapsody-1. ecstatic or extravagantly enthusiastic utterance in speech or writing 2. great delight 3. great delight

7. Works Cited "Google Images." Google. Web. 02 Nov. 2010.. Kinsella, Kate. Prentice Hall Literature. Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes. Needham, MA: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print. "Heroic Couplet." Types of Poetry. Web. 08 Nov. 2010..