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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 interrupts the Tale of Sir Topas?

2. What is Virginius's profession?

3. Who falls from his horse after the Yeoman's Tale?

4. Who is Cecilia forced to marry?

5. Who does the speaker of the Retraction ask to pray for him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is it fitting that the journey ends with the Parson's Tale?

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

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

6. What is the parallel between the Canon's Yeoman's Prologue and his Tale?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define irony. Identify each type of irony and give an example from The Canterbury Tales for each.

Essay Topic 2

Explain marriage during Chaucer's time. What pilgrims address marriage in their tales? What do they think of the institution of marriage?

Essay Topic 3

Define personification. How is personification used in literature? Give an example of personification from The Canterbury Tales. Is this an effective use of personification? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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