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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What gift does Thomas give the friar and his brothers?

2. Who ultimately wins Emilie's hand?

3. What is the prize for the best tale?

4. What is a manciple?

5. Who is the focus of the Reeve's Tale?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the General Prologue?

2. What concern does the Friar have about the Wife of Bath's Tale?

3. What does the Cook like about the Reeve's Tale?

4. Why does the Host come up with the storytelling contest?

5. Why are the characters in the Franklin's Tale rewarded?

6. Why does January say he wants to marry? Why does he likely really want to marry?

7. Why is it fitting for the Squire to begin the tale that he does?

8. Why does the Narrator tell the Miller's Tale despite his concern of its vulgarity?

9. Why is the Wife of Bath's Prologue so long?

10. What is the Squire's plan before he is interrupted?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the setting of The Canterbury Tales. How does the setting of a pilgrimage contribute to the individual pilgrims' tales? How would the story be different if Chaucer had used a different setting?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of Greek literature and mythology on Chaucer's society. How does Greek mythology and literature play a role in the pilgrims' tales? What does this reveal about Chaucer's society? What does it reveal about the pilgrims?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the church during Chaucer's time. Why are many church officials not looked upon favorably? What is the relationship between the general public and the church? Why? How does the situation with the church affect The Canterbury Tales?

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