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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. Who tells the Tale of Melibee?

2. What does the Parson tell as his “story”?

3. How many sins does the Parson say everyone must avoid?

4. Who does the Host discover sleeping in his saddle?

5. Who is Sir John?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the theology of life the Parson presents in his tale?

2. Why does Virginius kill his daughter?

3. Why is the Second Nun's Tale so appropriate for her?

4. What question is at the heart of the debate between Melibee and Prudence?

5. What does the Pardoner admit about himself in his Prologue?

6. What is the style of the Nun's Priest's Tale?

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

8. What is the parallel between the Prioress's Prologue and her Tale?

9. What contributes heavily to the length of the Tale of Melibee?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Explain the role of women during Chaucer's time. How do the female pilgrims differ from the male pilgrims? How are these differences reflected in their tales? What does this tell you about Chaucer's society?

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