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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 does the speaker of the Retraction ask to pray for him?

2. What comparison does the Parson use for life?

3. Where does the Manciple's Tale begin?

4. How does the merchant's wife offer to repay her loan?

5. Who killed the man in the coffin at the inn?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Virginius kill his daughter?

2. What does Chaucer suggest by saying the Tale of Sir Topas includes his best rhymes?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is the purpose of the Canon's Yeoman's Prologue?

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

10. What is the significance of Virginia's name in the Physician's Tale?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain the role of the Narrator in The Canterbury Tales. Is he a reliable narrator? Why or why not? Is he effective in his role? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of the Host in The Canterbury Tales. How does he join the group's pilgrimage? Is he effective in his role? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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