WorksheetsAbout The Canterbury Tales
Total questions: 100
Worksheet time: 50mins
According to the passage, what does 'The Canterbury Tales' provide the best contemporary picture of?
Fourteenth-century England
Seventeenth-century France
Twentieth-century America
Nineteenth-century Italy
Who is the author of 'The Canterbury Tales'?
Chaucer
Shakespeare
Milton
Dickens
In 'The Canterbury Tales,' what is the purpose of the pilgrimage?
A journey to a sacred spot that gathers together the widely diverse characters in The Canterbury Tales.
A quest to find hidden treasure in medieval England.
A mission to overthrow the king of England.
A journey to recruit knights for a holy war.
How many stories are told in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
24 different tales
12 different tales
36 different tales
50 different tales
In the Prologue, Chaucer sketches a brief, vivid portrait of each pilgrim, creating a lively sense of medieval life.
True
False
Which of the following is NOT a type of story found in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'?
Chivalric romance
Fable
Science fiction
Fabliau
What major linguistic change is mentioned in the passage as occurring during Chaucer's time?
The Great Vowel Shift
The Norman Conquest
The Printing Revolution
The Renaissance Influence
Why might people visit the site of an important event in England's religious and civic history, according to the Cross-Curricular Perspectives section?
To honor or remember well-known events that happened there, or to visit sites of lesser-known events that did not necessarily change history.
To participate in modern-day festivals unrelated to the site's history.
To conduct scientific experiments on the site.
To shop for souvenirs and local crafts.
What is one question students are encouraged to research about a historical site, according to the Cross-Curricular Perspectives section?
What event or events happened at the site?
What is the weather like at the site?
Who is the current mayor of the nearest city?
What is the most popular food in the area?
In lines 1–14, mark vivid sensory details describing the time of year. What sensory details does Chaucer use to describe the time of year in the opening lines of 'The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales'?
Chaucer uses sensory details such as 'sweet showers fall,' 'pierce the drought of March to the root,' and 'bathed every vein in liquor of such power.'
Chaucer describes the time of year with references to 'snowy mountains,' 'icy winds,' and 'frozen rivers.'
Chaucer uses sensory details such as 'blazing summer sun,' 'parched fields,' and 'buzzing cicadas.'
Chaucer describes the time of year with 'autumn leaves falling,' 'crisp air,' and 'harvest moon.'
Why does Chaucer focus on these sensory details in the opening lines of 'The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales'?
Chaucer focuses on sensory details to reveal to readers that winter is over, that spring is beginning, and that its new life stimulates the senses.
Chaucer uses sensory details to emphasize the hardships of winter and the struggles of the pilgrims.
Chaucer focuses on sensory details to introduce the main characters through their physical appearances.
Chaucer uses sensory details to highlight the religious significance of the pilgrimage.
What impression of the season do these sensory details create in the opening lines of 'The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales'?
The sensory details create an impression of spring as a time of new beginnings, renewal, and awakening from winter.
The sensory details create an impression of autumn as a time of harvest and preparation for winter.
The sensory details create an impression of summer as a time of heat and drought.
The sensory details create an impression of winter as a time of cold and dormancy.
Why is Middle English usually easier to read than Shakespeare’s English, according to the passage?
Middle English is usually easier to read than Shakespeare’s English because Chaucer primarily describes concrete details while Shakespeare uses a lot of highly figurative language and makes many allusions to Greek and Roman myths, Biblical passages, and other literature with which some modern readers are unfamiliar.
Middle English uses more modern vocabulary than Shakespeare’s English, making it easier to understand for contemporary readers.
Shakespeare’s English contains more grammatical errors than Middle English, making it harder to read.
Middle English texts are generally shorter and less complex than Shakespeare’s plays, which makes them easier to read.
What does the term author's tone refer to?
A writer's attitude toward his or her readers, characters, subject matter, and so on.
The main idea or theme of a story.
The chronological order of events in a narrative.
The use of figurative language in a poem.
What can a reader infer from the narrator's manner of beginning the story and the details the narrator marked?
The narrator is a social, open-minded fellow.
The narrator is uninterested in the events.
The narrator is confused about the story's setting.
The narrator dislikes the other characters.
Why might the poet have included details that show the narrator is more judgmental than he initially appears?
Perhaps Chaucer does not want his readers to realize that the narrator is more judgmental than he initially appears. In the beginning, the narrator appears to like everything and everyone, but later he begins to distinguish among the various pilgrims.
Because the poet wanted to make the narrator seem unreliable and untrustworthy to the readers from the start.
To ensure that the narrator is disliked by the audience and the other characters in the story.
Because the poet wanted to focus only on the negative qualities of the pilgrims and ignore their positive traits.
What is his or her rank and profession or job?
A high-ranking soldier who serves the king.
A merchant who trades goods across the kingdom.
A farmer responsible for growing crops.
A scholar who teaches at the royal academy.
Character: The Squire. What is his or her rank and profession or job?
The Knight's son—boy birth he ranks high, too.
A wealthy merchant from the city.
A humble farmer working the land.
A skilled blacksmith in the village.
Character: The Yeoman. What is his or her rank and profession or job?
Attendant to the Knight—much lower in rank than the Knight or the Squire.
High-ranking nobleman in the court.
Priest responsible for the parish.
Merchant engaged in trade.
Character: The Prioress. What is his or her rank and profession or job?
A nun who heads a convent.
A village blacksmith.
A royal knight.
A traveling merchant.
Which of the following best describes what you are asked to do as you read lines 70–100?
Locate and annotate at least two vivid details that describe the Knight and at least two vivid details that describe the Squire.
Summarize the main events involving the Knight and the Squire.
Identify the main theme of the passage involving the Knight and the Squire.
List all the characters mentioned in lines 70–100.
The Knight and the Squire are alike and different in which of the following ways?
They both serve as warriors, but the Knight is experienced while the Squire is young and learning.
They are both kings ruling different lands.
They are both poets who never fought in battles.
They are both merchants traveling for trade.
The author’s use of comparison and contrast makes the picture of each character more vivid by:
Highlighting the differences and similarities between characters to make their traits stand out.
Focusing only on the setting rather than the characters.
Ignoring the unique qualities of each character.
Describing only the actions without any comparison.
What does the word 'valiant' mean?
cowardly
courageously
weak
lazy
What is the meaning of the word 'Yeoman' as used in the passage?
attendant
farmer
merchant
soldier
What does the word 'brace' mean in the context of the passage?
a muzzle
a support
a tool
a garment
In the passage, what is a 'dirk'?
dagger
shield
helmet
sword
What is the meaning of 'baldric' as used in the passage?
leather belt worn over one shoulder and across the chest to support a sword or bugle
a type of medieval helmet
a decorative shield used in ceremonies
a long cloak worn by knights
What does 'prioress' mean in the context of the passage?
a nun in a abbey, the head of a convent of nuns
a male monk in charge of a monastery
a young girl studying in a convent
a priest who leads a parish
What is the meaning of 'Stratford-at-Bowe' as mentioned in the passage?
a suburb of London, site of a convent of Benedictine nuns
a famous market in central London
a river crossing near Oxford
a royal palace outside London
According to the Digital Perspectives box, Middle English had so many words from French because:
the Norman Conquest brought French-speaking rulers to England.
French was the original language of England.
English speakers traveled frequently to France.
French was easier to learn than Old English.
CLOSE READ ANNOTATE: Which detail in lines 142–154 suggests that the Prioress is a kind and sensitive person?
She weeps when she sees a mouse caught in a trap.
She laughs loudly at jokes.
She ignores the suffering of animals.
She is indifferent to the needs of others.
The author emphasizes the outward appearance of the Nun’s character to:
highlight her concern with superficial matters rather than spiritual ones.
show her deep devotion to religious practices.
demonstrate her strict adherence to monastic rules.
emphasize her poverty and humility.
The details reveal which aspects of the narrator’s viewpoint?
The narrator’s feelings and perspective on the events
The narrator’s physical appearance
The narrator’s favorite hobbies
The narrator’s relationship with other characters
CLOSE READ: Which detail from lines 193–208 suggests a fine, luxurious lifestyle?
Descriptions of elegant furnishings and expensive decor
Mentions of a crowded marketplace
References to a stormy night
Details about a simple, rural setting
CLOSE READ: A medieval monk would be expected to have which kind of lifestyle?
A simple and disciplined lifestyle focused on prayer and work
A luxurious lifestyle with many possessions
A lifestyle centered around travel and adventure
A lifestyle devoted to ruling over others
CLOSE READ: Chaucer is beginning to make what point through this description?
He is highlighting the character's flaws.
He is praising the character's virtues.
He is describing the setting in detail.
He is focusing on the historical context.
Discerning the Author’s Meaning: Review lines 161–166. What does the narrator say about the Prioress’s appearance?
The narrator says, 'Her cloak, I noticed, had a graceful charm. She wore a coral trinket on her arm, A set of beads, the gauds tricked in green, Whence hung a golden brooch of brightest sheen On which there first was graven a crowned A, And lower, Amor vincit omnia.'
The narrator says, 'She wore a plain brown habit and carried a wooden staff.'
The narrator says, 'Her hair was unkempt and her shoes were muddy.'
The narrator says, 'She wore a silver ring and a blue velvet scarf.'
The details in lines 215-240 (and earlier details about the Monk and the Prioress) suggest what about Chaucer's opinions on the church, and how many church officials has Chaucer described so far, with how many being admirable characters?
Chaucer is critical of the church, having described three church officials so far, with few being admirable.
Chaucer admires the church, describing all church officials as virtuous and admirable.
Chaucer is indifferent to the church, and has not described any church officials yet.
Chaucer only describes one church official, who is portrayed as entirely admirable.
What is the meaning of the word 'personable' as used in the passage?
A) Having a pleasant manner
B) Being wealthy
C) Being dishonest
D) Being strict
What is the meaning of the word 'sincerely' as used in the passage?
With anger
With truthfulness; good faith
With fear
With sadness
Fill in the blank: The Friar had a special license from the ____.
Pope
King
Bishop
Archbishop
What is a 'palfrey'?
A type of food
A saddle
A saddle horse
A musical instrument
What is a 'tippet'?
A) A type of hat
B) A scarf
C) A musical instrument
D) A type of food
What is a 'hurdy-gurdy'?
A type of food
A stringed instrument played by cranking a wheel
A type of horse
A type of clothing
Identify which of the following phrases from lines 241–256 sound ironic or sarcastic, and explain what they reveal about the narrator's attitude.
Phrases that sound ironic or sarcastic reveal the narrator's critical or mocking attitude.
Phrases that sound ironic or sarcastic show the narrator's admiration for the subject.
Phrases that sound ironic or sarcastic indicate the narrator's confusion.
Phrases that sound ironic or sarcastic suggest the narrator is indifferent.
Fill in the blank: The word 'bruiser' means _________?
a big, tall, heavy man who is good at fighting
a small, timid animal
a type of fruit
a musical instrument
Fill in the blank: The word 'taverns' means _________.
bars
schools
parks
offices
Fill in the blank: The phrase 'Not fitting with "the dignity" of his position' means _________.
not appropriate for someone of a particular class or status. Here, the phrase is used ironically.
extremely suitable for a person of high rank.
a sign of great wealth and power.
a common phrase used to praise someone.
On lines 280-294, identify the detail that reveals the one thing no one knows about the Merchant.
No one knows the Merchant's name.
No one knows where the Merchant is from.
No one knows what the Merchant sells.
No one knows how old the Merchant is.
The speaker throws this detail into the description because:
it adds depth to the description.
it distracts from the main point.
it confuses the reader.
it shortens the explanation.
Fill in the table: Line numbers: 293; Quotation from the poem (what Chaucer says): "He was an excellent fellow all the same."; My notes on Chaucer’s true meaning (what Chaucer means): _________.
He (the Merchant) is skilled at appearing to be one thing, but he is, in fact, the complete opposite.
Chaucer genuinely admires the Merchant's honesty and integrity.
The Merchant is wealthy and generous to everyone he meets.
Chaucer believes the Merchant is the most trustworthy of all the pilgrims.
What is the meaning of the word 'discreet' as used in the passage?
careful about what one says or does; prudent
noisy and attention-seeking
easily fooled or deceived
unwilling to spend money; stingy
What is the meaning of the word 'felicity' as used in the passage?
happiness
sadness
anger
confusion
What is the meaning of the word 'sanguine' as used in the passage?
high-colored and benign
sad and gloomy
weak and pale
angry and hostile
What is the meaning of the word 'benign' as used in the passage?
gentle; kindly
dangerous; harmful
strange; unusual
quick; hasty
What is the meaning of the word 'Epicurus' as used in the passage?
a Greek philosopher who believed that happiness was the most important goal in life
an ancient Roman emperor known for his military conquests
a famous poet from the Renaissance period
a mythical creature from Greek legends
Using context clues from the passage, what does the word 'felicity' most likely mean?
Sadness
Happiness
Anger
Confusion
CLOSE READ: These details reveal that the Franklin’s approach to his responsibilities is:
diligent and attentive
careless and indifferent
reluctant and lazy
uninterested and passive
CLOSE READ: These details show that the organization of English society during the Middle Ages was characterized by which of the following?
A strict social hierarchy
A democratic government
Equal rights for all citizens
A focus on industrialization
What is the main cooking method used in the Middle English recipe for "Frytour of pasternakes, of skirwites, & of apples"?
Frying
Baking
Boiling
Roasting
What is the meaning of the word 'Session' as used in the passage?
Court sessions, or court decisions.
A musical performance.
A classroom lesson.
A sports practice.
What is the meaning of the word 'Shire' as used in the passage?
Shire means the administrative representative for the county.
Shire means a type of ancient building.
Shire means a traditional festival.
Shire means a local river.
What is the meaning of the word 'Guild-fraternity' as used in the passage?
Associations of men practicing the same craft or trade, called guilds, set standards for workmanship and protected their members by controlling competition.
A group of people who gather for religious purposes only.
A secret society formed for political reasons.
A family-based organization focused on agriculture.
What is the meaning of the word 'Burgess' as used in the passage?
A member of a legislative body.
A type of medieval weapon.
A traditional English dessert.
A style of architecture.
In lines 392-397, which of the following details present an appealing picture of the Cook?
He could distinguish London ale by flavor, kept his kitchen clean, made tasty pies, and was a good cook.
He was always late, disliked his job, and served cold food.
He never cleaned his kitchen and used spoiled ingredients.
He was known for burning food and being rude to customers.
Chaucer chooses to mention the sore on the Cook’s leg so close to the description of the food because:
it creates a contrast that highlights the unappetizing nature of the food
it shows the Cook’s expertise in spite of his illness
it is meant to evoke sympathy for the Cook
it is a random detail with no significance
The placement of these details allows Chaucer to suggest the Cook’s character without directly stating it by:
Implying traits through indirect description
Directly stating the Cook’s qualities
Ignoring the Cook’s background
Focusing only on the Cook’s profession
What is the meaning of 'blancmange' as used in the passage?
A creamy chicken dish.
A type of French bread.
A spicy vegetable stew.
A cold fruit salad.
What is a 'lanyard' as defined in the notes?
A cord worn around the neck.
A type of hat.
A small notebook.
A kind of shoe.
What does 'effigies' mean as used in the passage?
Images of people.
Types of food.
Kinds of music.
Styles of writing.
What is the meaning of the lines 459-462: 'In all the parish not a dame dared stir Towards the altar steps in front of her, And if indeed they did, so wrath was she As to be quite put out of charity.'?
She was so proud and jealous of her place in church that she became angry if anyone tried to go before her.
She was always kind and let others go before her in church.
She was afraid to go to the altar steps in church.
She was never seen at church and avoided the altar steps.
Fill in the blank: Apothecaries are people who prepared medicines. The word 'apothecaries' in the passage refers to ________.
people who prepared medicines
people who built houses
people who wrote books
people who painted pictures
Fill in the blank: Aesculapius is a god in Roman mythology, the god of medicine and healing. In the passage, Aesculapius refers to ________.
a god in Roman mythology, the god of medicine and healing
a famous Roman emperor
a mythical Roman beast
a Roman festival
Fill in the blank: Galen and Rhazes are famous physicians and medical authorities. In the passage, Galen and Rhazes refer to ________.
famous physicians and medical authorities
ancient mathematicians
famous poets
Greek philosophers
Fill in the blank: Taffeta is a fine silk fabric. In the passage, taffeta refers to ________.
a fine silk fabric
a type of metal
a musical instrument
a kind of fruit
Fill in the blank: Bath (bath, bath) is a city in England. In the passage, Bath refers to ________.
a city in England
a type of soap
a bathroom fixture
a swimming pool
Fill in the blank: Ghent (ghent, ghent) is a Flemish cloths center known for wool making. In the passage, Ghent refers to ________.
a Flemish cloths center known for wool making
a famous French artist
a type of fabric
a historical battle
Fill in the blank: Ground is a composite fabric. In the passage, ground refers to ________.
a composite fabric
a type of soil
a musical instrument
a sports field
Mark details in lines 475–486 that show where and how far the Wife of Bath has traveled.
She’d been to Rome and also to Boulogne and St. James of Compostella and Cologne.
She had only traveled within England, never leaving her hometown.
She had visited only Paris and London.
She had journeyed to Asia and Africa extensively.
How widely has the Wife of Bath traveled?
She has traveled widely, visiting places such as Rome, Boulogne, St. James of Compostella, and Cologne.
She has never left her hometown and prefers to stay local.
She has only traveled within England, never venturing abroad.
She has traveled only to London and back.
Why is the Wife of Bath most likely on the pilgrimage?
She is looking for a new husband, adventure, and fun. Perhaps she simply likes going on pilgrimages.
She is seeking forgiveness for her sins.
She wants to visit a relative in another town.
She is fulfilling a vow she made as a child.
What does 'diligent' mean? (adj.)
Conscientious and hard-working.
Lazy and careless.
Uninterested and bored.
Quick and impatient.
The tone Chaucer uses when describing the Plowman differs from the tone used for the Knight, the Squire, the Monk, and the Friar. Which of the following best describes this difference?
Chaucer's tone is more respectful and sincere when describing the Plowman compared to the more satirical or ironic tone used for the others.
Chaucer uses a mocking tone for the Plowman and a serious tone for the others.
The tone for the Plowman is more critical than for the Knight, Squire, Monk, and Friar.
Chaucer describes all characters with the same neutral tone.
What does the word 'miscarry' mean as used in the passage?
Miscarry means 'error' or 'failure'.
Miscarry means 'to carry something successfully'.
Miscarry means 'to deliver a message'.
Miscarry means 'to support a cause'.
What does the word 'enrolled' mean as used in the passage?
Enrolled means 'registered'.
Enrolled means 'graduated'.
Enrolled means 'expelled'.
Enrolled means 'ignored'.
What does the word 'virtues' mean as used in the passage?
Virtues means 'good qualities'.
Virtues means 'bad habits'.
Virtues means 'physical strength'.
Virtues means 'expensive items'.
What does the word 'charity' mean as used in the passage?
Charity means 'kindness' or 'generosity'.
Charity means 'wealth' or 'prosperity'.
Charity means 'competition' or 'rivalry'.
Charity means 'punishment' or 'discipline'.
CLOSE READ: Annotate the details that describe how the Miller treats his customers. What do these details suggest about the Miller?
The Miller is dishonest and cheats his customers.
The Miller is generous and gives extra to his customers.
The Miller is indifferent and ignores his customers.
The Miller is friendly and always helps his customers.
Chaucer's tone, or attitude about, the Miller can best be described as:
humorous and mocking
serious and respectful
angry and bitter
indifferent and detached
Which of the following best describes the task based on the description of the Miller in lines 561–584?
Create a brief, vivid description of the Miller or another well-known character using specific, revealing images.
Summarize the entire story in your own words.
List all the characters mentioned in the story.
Write a dialogue between the Miller and another character.
The role of the 'lord of the manor' in medieval England was to:
Oversee the land and peasants, administer justice, and collect rents and dues.
Serve as the king's personal advisor in the royal court.
Lead armies into battle as the primary military commander of the kingdom.
Work as a merchant trading goods across Europe.
The role of the 'steward' in medieval England was:
to manage the household and estates for a noble or lord
to lead armies into battle
to serve as a religious leader
to act as the king's personal advisor
The role of the 'bailiff' in medieval England was:
to oversee the management of manors and collect rents
to serve as a knight in battles
to act as the king's personal advisor
to lead religious ceremonies
The role of the 'reeve' in medieval England was:
a local official responsible for overseeing the work of peasants and managing the manor
a knight who served the king in battle
a merchant who traded goods between towns
a priest who led religious ceremonies in the village
The role of the 'serf' in medieval England was:
a peasant bound to the land and subject to the lord's control
a member of the nobility with land-owning rights
a traveling merchant with special privileges
a knight responsible for military service
The role of the 'peasant' in medieval England was to:
work the land and provide agricultural labor
govern the local villages and towns
serve as knights in the king's army
manage trade between England and other countries
The role of the 'cottager' in medieval England was:
a small-scale farmer who lived in a cottage and worked a small plot of land
a wealthy landowner who managed large estates
a knight responsible for defending the manor
a merchant who traded goods in towns
The role of the 'small holder' in medieval England was:
a peasant who farmed a small plot of land, often for subsistence
a wealthy landowner with vast estates
a member of the royal family
a traveling merchant with no land
In lines 641-652, find and annotate phrases that appeal to the sense of sight, touch, and smell. List at least one phrase for each sense.
Sight: 'His eyes were narrow', 'Black, scabby brows he had, and a thin beard', 'Of pus the pimples sitting on his cheeks'. Touch: 'His face was covered with blemishes'. Smell: 'And drinking strong wine till all was hazy', 'garlic he loved, and onions too, and leeks'.
Sight: 'His voice was loud', 'He wore a red cloak'. Touch: 'His hands were cold'. Smell: 'The air was fresh and clean'.
Sight: 'He walked quickly', 'His shoes were new'. Touch: 'The ground was soft'. Smell: 'The flowers were blooming'.
Sight: 'He smiled brightly', 'His hat was tall'. Touch: 'The chair was hard'. Smell: 'The bread was baking'.
