The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue / Answers
1. What is the nature of the trip upon which the 29 travelers are embarking?
2. Where does Chaucer (the host) meet the group of pilgrims?
3. Chaucer ascribes certain qualities to chivalry. Does the Knight exhibit these qualities? Quote the line in which Chaucer summarizes his opinion of the Knight.
4. Has the Squire done well in battle? How does Chaucer’s description of the Squire differ from his description of the Knight?
5. What details of Chaucer’s description of the Prioress indicate that she has not totally renounced the world?
6. What does the Monk think about studying books, engaging in manual labor, and other rules of his order?
7. The Friar, like the Monk and the Prioress is worldly. Prove the worldliness of the Friar.
8. Although the Merchant “was expert at dabbling in exchanges,” what is his secret?
9. How does the description of the Oxford Cleric typify the scholar?
10. What does Chaucer imply about the Sergeant of the Law?
11. What is of primary importance to the Franklin?
12. “The nicer rules of conscience he ignored,” is reported of which traveler?
13. Though the Doctor appears to be well trained in current medical thought, his true interests lie in one area only. What is it?
14. Quote the line from the narrative poem in which the Wife of Bath’s face is described.
15. List three phrases or lines that Chaucer uses to depict the Parson as “ a holy-minded man of good renown.”
16. The Plowman and the Parson are treated differently from the other pilgrims in their description. In what way is the Plowman’s description different?
17. How does the Miller trick others?
18. Why is the Reeve “Feared like the plague...”?
19. How does the Summoner use his position in the Church to make money for himself?
20. List two details of the Pardoner’s physical description.
21. Chaucer argues that he must present everything that is said, regardless of offense, or “else the tale he tells will be untrue.” Why does Chaucer make this statement?
22. What plan do the pilgrims agree to?
23. The Prologue functions in much the same way that the first act of a play does. What is accomplished in the Prologue?
