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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. How is it determined that the Knight will tell the first tale?

2. Who is Arveragus?

3. Who interrupts the Squire's tale?

4. Who did the Host ask to speak after the Knight's Tale?

5. Who speaks out on the knight's behalf to change his punishment?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the basis of the Reeve's story? Why is this the basis for the story?

5. Why are the pilgrims confused by the Merchant's Tale?

6. How is the Friar's Tale uncomplimentary to summoners?

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

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

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

10. What could be considered controversial about the Wife of Bath's Tale?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define fable. Explain the uses of fables in literature. Explain the use of fable in The Canterbury Tales. Why is a fable a useful tale in The Canterbury Tales?

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

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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This section contains 672 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample