TED-Ed: Everything you need to know to read "The Canterbury Tales" - Iseult Gillespie

The video explores Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', a collection of 24 stories told by various characters on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. The tales, written in Middle English, blend humor and satire to depict medieval society. Chaucer's work reflects the social hierarchy and diverse dialects of the time. Despite its length, the narrative remains unfinished, leaving the question of the best tale open to interpretation.

What is the main theme of the miller's tale in The Canterbury Tales?

• A moral lesson

• A tragic love story

• A heroic adventure

• A comedic and bawdy narrative

Which language was The Canterbury Tales originally written in?

• Old English

• Middle English

• Modern English

• Latin

What was the purpose of the pilgrimage in The Canterbury Tales?

• To escape from war

• To visit the Shrine of Saint Thomas Becket

• To find treasure

• To meet the king

How does Chaucer use the characters' language in The Canterbury Tales?

• To create confusion

• To satirize their world views

• To teach grammar

• To promote unity

Why is The Canterbury Tales considered unfinished?

• Chaucer lost interest

• The prologue introduces more stories than are completed

• Chaucer passed away before finishing

• The manuscript was destroyed