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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 Canon leave the group?

2. What happens to Sophia in the end of the Tale of Melibee?

3. How does Chanticleer escape his captor?

4. How does the Parson react when asked to tell a story?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Phoebus's downfall in the Manciple's Tale?

2. What becomes the downfall for both Chanticleer and the fox in the Nun's Priest's Tale?

3. Why does Virginius kill his daughter?

4. Where is the inspiration for the Manciple's Tale?

5. How is the merchant's wife able to buy the clothes she wants?

6. How does the Prioress emphasize the idea that the boy in her tale is a victim?

7. Why is it fitting that the tales end with something from Chaucer?

8. What is the lesson the Second Nun's Tale teaches women?

9. What is different about the Parson's Tale in comparison to the rest of the pilgrims' tales?

10. Why does the Knight interrupt the Monk's Tale?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of characters' names in the pilgrims' tales. How do characters' names contribute to the overall stories? Why does Chaucer use characters' names to contribute to the stories in this way?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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