an honest worker--his brother, the parson, is one of the few pilgrims more virtuous
The Plowman
key term: devotee on a journey to a holy place like a shrine
a pilgrim
key term: sacrifices something of high value, like life, for a principle or cause
martyr
literary term: holds human vice up to ridicule and scorn
satire
literary term: narrative used to set the stage for smaller stories within
frame story
literary term: uses satire and cynicism to mock its characters
fabliau
What was the popular time of year for medieval pilgrimages?
spring--the CT pilgrims travel in April
How many tales was each pilgrim supposed to tell?
4 --2 on the way, 2 on the way back
What are the three types of people (classes) the author uses in his satire?
Nobility, the clergy, commoners
Who proposes the story telling contest?
The Host
What is the prize for the story telling contest?
a meal, paid for by the other pilgrims, at the Tabard Inn
a seamstress, loves to laugh and chat, a bit deaf, had five husbands and wore red hose and a hat as big as a shield
The Wife of Bath
carries bow, arrows, sword and shield, a hunting horn and is dressed in green�traveled as a servant; St. Christopher is his guide
The Yoeman
said to be discreet and wise, knowledgeable and a fine conveyancer, always on the go (but not quite as busy as he seems to be)
The Sergeant at Law (lawyer)
He summons sinners to church court; children are afraid of him due to his red pimply face and stinky breath; not so bright and enjoys fine red wine
The Summoner
steals wine from the trader, not very good at riding the farmer's horse (stolen)--always sends his prisoners home via the plank
The Skipper
Which social class does Chaucer show the most corruption; who does he poke
the most fun at (a social group)?
the clergy
a landowner and a public servant with a white beard who lives for pleasure--keeps his home full of good food and drink; has a temper with bad cooks
The Franklin
sounds like a goat, has no beard and bulging eyes--makes money selling pardons and showing fake holy relics like Mary's veil
The Pardoner
a boastful and great stout fellow who loves to wrestle; he knows many filthy tavern stories and is a master at stealing grain
The Miller
the youngest pilgrim; he can ride and fight, sing songs and recite poems; always looks his best for the ladies--both lusty and vain
The Squire
took vows-- but spends hours with pretty girls, wealthy dames and barmaids; he says the sick and poor are beneath him
The Friar
ignores the "old fashioned" Rules of Saint Benet and Maur--he loves to hunt and eat a fat swan roasted whole not study in the cloister
The Monk
He cannot (or will not) find a job and spends borrowed money on books-- not on food for himself or his horse
The Oxford Cleric
practices what he preaches, poor in material goods, but rich in holy thoughts and deed-- cares for his flock and neglects none; travels with his brother
The Parson
knows the humors and uses astronomy in his work--runs a scam with the apothecary to make some extra gold
The Doctor
How many tales did Chaucer intend to write?
120 -- each pilgrim was to tell 4 total, 2 there and 2 back
feeds her little dogs bread, meat and milk-- she acts very dainty but has some girth, loves to speak french and imitate courtly grace
The Prioress
What is the name of the inn where the pilgrims meet?
The Tabard
Name the author of The Canterbury Tales.
Geoffrey Chaucer
What was the social class of the CT's author
He was a commoner--part of the growing middle class
Which was the only church in Medieval England?
Roman Catholic
Identify one of the many reasons people went on pilgrimage.
give thanks, seek help�pray for healing, forgiveness, favor, or peace (and to travel)
Name the king who wondered who could rid him of his former friend--the meddlesome priest
Henry II
Why did Chaucer write in the "common vernacular" (not Latin or French)?
because it is every day language--so everyone could relate and understand
Name the martyr buried in the shrine at Canterbury
Thomas Becket
trusted manager of a nobleman's estate; has grown quite rich by being frugal; feared by those beneath him
The Reeve
Who are the only members of nobility on the pilgrimage?
the knight and the squire
father of the squire, lord of the Yeoman-- fights in crusades, honorable, humble, and true
The Knight
How long did the walk to Canterbury take?
3-4 days
has a forked beard and beaver hat--he likes to talk about money and trade but is secretly in debt
The Merchant
works for the newly rich guildsmen--is an expert in his trade but has an oozing sore on his leg
The Cook
watches the market when buying supplies-- illiterate but "street smart" and can trick his educated bosses
The Manciple
what we call the language the CT was written in
Middle English
Why were "the tales" never finished?
The author died
In this time period-- why did Catholics buy pardons?
to pardon them of sins, keep them out of purgatory and speed them into heaven
place where Thomas Becket was murdered by knights
Canterbury Cathedral
a holy journey, a trip for religious purposes
pilgrimage
the penalty for refusing to participate or accept the host's judgement
that pilgrim would have to pay for everything
newly rich members of a guild, took care of their things--wives pushed them to success
The Guildsmen
What were the two things the host says he will judge the tales on?
morality (does it teach a lesson) and entertainment
What do we call the english Chaucer wrote in?
middle english
Why did Chaucer write in the common vernacular (not french or latin)?
so common people could understand it
Where are the pilgrims going?
Canterbury
Which three qualities does Chaucer say he will identify in of all the pilgrims?
social class, job, and what they were wearing (looked like)
How many pilgrims are there including Chaucer?
30
Which sin can you connect with the fact that the Squire "sleeps as little as a nightingale.
Lust
The Friar says that he is "allowed" to forgive sins (that was unlikely), but what did the sinner have to do for forgiveness?
give silver
Why is it ironic that the merchant is an expert with currency exchange?
He cannot manage his own money
How does the clerk pay back his friends?
With knowledge
Why might we say that the Woman from Bath (Wife of Bath) is guilty of lust?
Chaucer implies that in addition to her marriages she kept other company in her youth (had affairs)
Who has a read beard and plays the bagpipes as the pilgrims leave town.
The Miller