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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. What does the Prioress offer in her prologue?

2. How many times does the canon trick the priest?

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

4. Who does Cecilia love?

5. What is Appius's profession?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why does Virginius kill his daughter?

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 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?

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?

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This section contains 546 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample