- 1. The Canterbury Tales is a seminal collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, widely regarded as one of the greatest works of English literature. The tales are framed within a storytelling contest among a diverse group of pilgrims traveling from London to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each character, ranging from a chivalrous knight to a witty miller, represents various facets of medieval society, allowing Chaucer to use their narratives to explore themes of love, morality, class, and the human condition. The work is notable for its use of the English vernacular at a time when most literary works were composed in Latin or French, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Chaucer's keen observation of human nature and masterful use of satire and humor illuminate both the virtues and vices of his characters, providing a vivid portrait of 14th-century England. The Canterbury Tales is not only a remarkable showcase of storytelling but also an intricate commentary on the social and political norms of the time, which has led to its lasting acclaim and continued relevance in literary studies.
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?
A) John Milton
B) Charles Dickens
C) William Shakespeare
D) Geoffrey Chaucer
- 2. How many tales are there in The Canterbury Tales?
A) 10
B) 30
C) 24
D) 15
- 3. What social class does the Knight belong to?
A) Clerical
B) Noble
C) Merchant
D) Peasant
- 4. Which character is known for her multiple marriages?
A) The Wife of Bath
B) The Prioress
C) The Summoner
D) The Nun
- 5. What genre is The Canterbury Tales primarily considered?
A) Tragedy
B) Epic
C) Frame narrative
D) Lyric
- 6. In what language was The Canterbury Tales originally written?
A) Middle English
B) Modern English
C) Old English
D) Latin
- 7. Who tells the first tale in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Knight
B) The Miller
C) The Clerk
D) The Pardoner
- 8. What is the setting of The Canterbury Tales?
A) A war in France
B) A court in London
C) A tavern in York
D) A pilgrimage to Canterbury
- 9. The Wife of Bath primarily discusses which topic?
A) Religion
B) Politics
C) Marriage
D) War
- 10. In what century was The Canterbury Tales written?
A) 13th century
B) 12th century
C) 14th century
D) 15th century
- 11. What is the Pardoner's primary profession?
A) Preaching
B) Collecting taxes
C) Selling indulgences
D) Farming
- 12. The Miller's Tale is best described as what type of story?
A) Fabliau
B) Allegory
C) Romance
D) Tragedy
- 13. What is the main flaw of the Summoner?
A) Envy
B) Gluttony
C) Pride
D) Greed
- 14. What is the significance of the prologue in The Canterbury Tales?
A) Introduces the characters
B) Describes the rules of the contest
C) Analyzes the themes
D) Summarizes the tales
- 15. Which tale addresses issues of wealth and greed?
A) The Pardoner's Tale
B) The Knight's Tale
C) The Squire's Tale
D) The Franklin's Tale
- 16. Who proposes the storytelling contest in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Host
B) The Pardoner
C) The Miller
D) The Knight
- 17. What does the term 'Canterbury' refer to?
A) A historical event
B) A type of pilgrimage
C) A city in England
D) A character in the tales
- 18. Which character is a deceitful figure in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Squire
B) The Knight
C) The Pardoner
D) The Prioress
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