Alchemy and Its Consequences in Literature

The Canon's Yeoman's Tale from The Canterbury Tales tells of a canon and his yeoman who join a company of travelers. The yeoman reveals the canon's deceitful nature as an alchemist. The tale unfolds with the yeoman's hardships working for the canon, who tricks a priest with a fake miracle of turning mercury into silver. The story warns against alchemy, highlighting its dangers and moral consequences, as it leads to financial ruin and misery.

Who were the two strangers that approached the company in the tale?

• A king and his advisor

• A knight and his squire

• A merchant and his apprentice

• A canon and his yeoman

What does the Yeoman reveal about the Canon?

• He is a famous poet

• He is a wealthy merchant

• He is a noble knight

• He is a skilled alchemist

How has working for the Canon affected the Yeoman?

• He has learned many new skills

• He has fallen into debt and poor health

• He has become famous

• He has gained great wealth

What does the Yeoman say about the efforts of the Canon's workers?

• They were never dangerous

• They were always successful

• They were often rewarded

• They always failed

What does the Canon offer to show the priest in exchange for money?

• A miracle of turning mercury into silver

• A secret map

• A rare book

• A new invention

What is the outcome of the Canon's miracle for the priest?

• The priest learns alchemy

• The priest becomes wealthy

• The miracle fails and the Canon disappears

• The priest gains a new friend

What does the Canon use to trick the priest into believing in the miracle?

• A magic wand

• A hidden compartment

• A special chant

• Real silver added secretly

Why does the Yeoman warn against alchemy?

• It is a path to great wealth

• It is a noble pursuit

• It is dangerous and forbidden by the church

• It is easy to master

What substance were alchemists trying to create to transform metals into gold?

• Golden Chalice

• Magic Wand

• Philosopher's Stone

• Elixir of Life

What does the Yeoman say about the church's view on alchemy?

• The church supports it

• The church is indifferent

• The church encourages it

• The church forbids it