The+CAnterbury+Tales+Reading+&+Responding

Canterbury Tales:  Reading & Responding This Link is a GREAT glimpse into //The Canterbury Tales// When in doubt – [|CLICK HERE] Take a Look Here for a preview of the Tales media type="youtube" key="vBa5nN_JyPk" height="349" width="425" align="center"

Click on the .wav file to listen to the opening of the Prologue and read along.

media type="file" key="General Prologue.wav" width="342" height="28"

Circle the words you do not recognize. In the margins, write down questions you have about what’s going on. We will discuss everyone's questions in class.

Click on the .wav file to listen to decide what challenge the Host has set for the Pilgrims. media type="file" key="Hosts Challenge.wav" width="300" height="50" What exactly does the Host suggest the pilgrims do and why?

** Elements of the Tales: **
 * What we’re looking for while we read. **

**Below are the attributes of an //exemplum// or Folk Tale.**  1. Characters, events, and other things come in threes  2. A test of a character’s moral fiber  3. A mysterious guide who helps point the way  4. A just ending that rewards good or punishes evil

On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions about the attributes of the story:
1. Give two examples of something in the story that comes in threes. 2. What is the test of this character’s moral fiber. 3. Who/what is the mysterious guide who points the way. 4. What is the final rewards and/or punishment. 5. What is the moral of the story?

**Below are the attributes of a medieval Romance.** 1. Two people falling in love 2. A struggle or conflict (usually forced by another character) that keeps the characters apart 3. A series of events influenced by each other that bring the characters back together 4. An ending true to the plot of the story that finally brings the lovers together forever ** Read the Knight’s Tale. ** ** On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions about the attributes of the story: ** 1. Name the characters who are in love. 2. What is the conflict keeping the lovers apart? 3. Name the list of events that happen to bring the characters apart and then back together again. 4. What is the final act that brings the lovers together for the happy ending?

**Below are the attributes of a medieval //fabliaux//.** 1. Short in length 2. Tale refers to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way 3. Stock, simple characters with no real depth 4. Clever plot mocking human weaknesses 5. Makes cynical fun of conventional notions of morality, authority, and poetic justice 6. An ending that creates entertainment

On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions about the attributes of the story:
1. Name the characters in the conflict. 2. What are the human weaknesses being exploited? 3. Who is being mocked, and who is doing the mocking? 4. What creates the poetic justice in the conclusion?