- 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) Geoffrey Chaucer
D) William Shakespeare
- 2. How many tales are there in The Canterbury Tales?
A) 10
B) 24
C) 30
D) 15
- 3. What social class does the Knight belong to?
A) Merchant
B) Peasant
C) Clerical
D) Noble
- 4. Which character is known for her multiple marriages?
A) The Prioress
B) The Summoner
C) The Nun
D) The Wife of Bath
- 5. What genre is The Canterbury Tales primarily considered?
A) Epic
B) Tragedy
C) Lyric
D) Frame narrative
- 6. In what language was The Canterbury Tales originally written?
A) Middle English
B) Latin
C) Modern English
D) Old English
- 7. Who tells the first tale in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Pardoner
B) The Clerk
C) The Knight
D) The Miller
- 8. What is the setting of The Canterbury Tales?
A) A tavern in York
B) A court in London
C) A pilgrimage to Canterbury
D) A war in France
- 9. The Wife of Bath primarily discusses which topic?
A) War
B) Marriage
C) Religion
D) Politics
- 10. In what century was The Canterbury Tales written?
A) 14th century
B) 12th century
C) 15th century
D) 13th century
- 11. What is the Pardoner's primary profession?
A) Preaching
B) Selling indulgences
C) Farming
D) Collecting taxes
- 12. The Miller's Tale is best described as what type of story?
A) Tragedy
B) Allegory
C) Fabliau
D) Romance
- 13. What is the main flaw of the Summoner?
A) Gluttony
B) Pride
C) Envy
D) Greed
- 14. What is the significance of the prologue in The Canterbury Tales?
A) Summarizes the tales
B) Describes the rules of the contest
C) Analyzes the themes
D) Introduces the characters
- 15. Which tale addresses issues of wealth and greed?
A) The Knight's Tale
B) The Pardoner's Tale
C) The Squire's Tale
D) The Franklin's Tale
- 16. Who proposes the storytelling contest in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Pardoner
B) The Miller
C) The Knight
D) The Host
- 17. What does the term 'Canterbury' refer to?
A) A city in England
B) A character in the tales
C) A type of pilgrimage
D) A historical event
- 18. Which character is a deceitful figure in The Canterbury Tales?
A) The Knight
B) The Prioress
C) The Squire
D) The Pardoner
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