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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. Why does the Reeve feel the way he does about the Miller's Tale?

2. Who comes to Alison's window after Nicholas and Alison spend the night together?

3. What punishment does Theseus give Palamon and Arcite?

4. Who warns the Friar before he tells his tale?

5. What does Nicholas tell John which allows him to spend the night with Alison?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the townspeople react to the situation after John crashes through the ceiling?

2. Why is the friar in the Summoner's Tale ironic?

3. What is the significance of Lady Constance's name in the Man of Law's Tale?

4. Why does the Host ask the Clerk to tell a tale after the Summoner's Tale?

5. What is the purpose of the General Prologue?

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

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

8. What is the purpose of the knight's quest to find what women most desire?

9. Why are Palamon and Arcite jealous of each other when Arcite is released from the tower?

10. Why is the Knight's Tale fitting for his character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain chivalry. What pilgrims are chivalrous in The Canterbury Tales? How are they chivalrous? What role does chivalry play in the tales the pilgrims tell?

Essay Topic 2

Define satire. Explain the purpose of satire. How is it identified in literature? How does Chaucer use satire in The Canterbury Tales? Is it effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Define mood. Choose one tale and identify its mood. How is the mood expressed in the tale? How does the mood contribute to the overall tale?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 623 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample