Canterbury Tales & Vocabulary

Front

What is the role of a Summoner in the medieval church?

Back

A Summoner is a person from the medieval church who calls, or summons, people before the church for their crimes.

Front

What are redundant modifiers?

Back

Redundant modifiers are words or phrases that unnecessarily repeat the meaning of another word or phrase, such as 'important essentials' or 'true facts'.

Front

Who is Arcite in the Knight's Tale?

Back

Arcite is a character in the Knight's Tale who is the cousin that was killed in the joust.

Front

What is the name of the woman that the cousins fought over in the Knight's Tale?

Back

The woman the cousins were fighting over is named Emily (or Imil).

Front

Identify a redundant modifier in the sentence: 'Malik sat in his house thinking to himself about the true facts his father told him earlier that day.'

Back

The redundant modifier is 'true facts'.

Front

What is the significance of the Knight's Tale in Canterbury Tales?

Back

The Knight's Tale is significant as it explores themes of chivalry, love, and rivalry among knights.

Front

Define 'chivalry' as it relates to the Knight's Tale.

Back

Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code, emphasizing bravery, honor, and respect for women.

Front

What literary device is commonly used in the Canterbury Tales?

Back

The Canterbury Tales often employs satire to critique social norms and behaviors.

Front

What is the main theme of the Canterbury Tales?

Back

The main theme of the Canterbury Tales is the exploration of social class and the human condition through various characters' stories.

Front

How does Chaucer use character descriptions in the Canterbury Tales?

Back

Chaucer uses character descriptions to provide insight into the personalities, social status, and moral values of the characters.