Canterbury Tales

What does the Merchant’s “forking beard” symbolize?

• His wealth

• Duplicity/dual nature

• His poverty

• His wisdom

Answer explanation

Explanation: The Merchant’s beard, divided like a fork, symbolizes his duplicitous nature. Chaucer says he is “an excellent fellow all the same,” but also notes he’s secretly in debt.
Text evidence: “A merchant was there with a forked beard / In motley dress, high on his horse he sat…”

What type of hat does the Merchant wear?

• A velvet hat

• A pilgrim’s cap

• A Flemish beaver hat

• A wool bonnet

Answer explanation

Explanation: Chaucer describes the Merchant wearing a stylish hat that shows his concern for appearance.
Text evidence: “…in motley dress, high on his horse he sat, / Upon his head a Flemish beaver hat.”

What is ironic about the Merchant?

• He is poor but generous

• He is deeply in debt

• He hates travel

• He dislikes money

Answer explanation

Explanation: Though he looks wealthy, he is secretly in debt.
Text evidence: “…so he seemed so stately in administration, / He was in debt, I think he was a worthy man.”

How is the Oxford Cleric described?

• Poor but devoted to learning

• Greedy

• Adventurous

• Wealthy and lazy

Answer explanation

Explanation: He prioritizes study and teaching over wealth.
Text evidence: “A clerk there was of Oxford also, / That would gladly learn and gladly teach.”

How does the Cleric spend borrowed money?

• On feasts

• On clothes

• On books and study

• On gambling

Answer explanation

Explanation: His dedication to knowledge outweighs material needs.
Text evidence: “And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach.”

What does the Cleric’s thin horse symbolize?

• Strength

• Pride

• Laziness

• Hunger and poverty

Answer explanation

Explanation: The horse’s thinness mirrors the Cleric’s lack of wealth.
Text evidence: “And he was not too fat, I undertake; / But looked hollow as a stick.”

What is the Sergeant at Law known for?

• Fighting skill

• Singing

• Knowledge and skill in law

• Farming

Answer explanation

Explanation: He is respected for legal expertise and careful attention to detail.
Text evidence: “A Sergeant of the Law, wise and discreet, / Excellent in his profession.”

What is ironic about the Sergeant at Law?

• He is poor

• He seems busier than he is

• He is unwise

• He dislikes his job

Answer explanation

Explanation: He appears constantly busy but often less active than he seems.
Text evidence: “Nowhere there was so busy a man as he, / But he was less busy than he seemed to be.”

What is the Franklin known for?

• Farming

• Magic

• Writing

• Hospitality and pleasure

Answer explanation

Explanation: He loves sharing food and enjoying life.
Text evidence: “A Franklin was in the company; / White as a daisy-petal was his beard; / With bread and ale he made them all content.”

What philosophy does the Franklin follow?

• Stoicism

• Christianity

• Epicureanism

• Buddhism

Answer explanation

Explanation: He believes in enjoying pleasure in moderation.
Text evidence: “Epicurus’ very son he was, / That held opinion that true happiness / Was pleasure and delight.”