The Canterbury Tales MCQ Trivia!

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The Canterbury Tales MCQ Trivia! - Quiz


Have you ever read the Canterbury Tales and think you can pass this quiz? The Canterbury Tales is a compilation of 24 stories written in Middle English by author Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400. Through the characters, to describe society back then, particularly the church. The book offers a lot of wisdom concerning the traditions and practices in that era. See how much you know about the Canterbury Tales and take this quiz.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?

    • A.

      William Shakespeare

    • B.

      Geoffrey Chaucer

    • C.

      William Langland

    • D.

      John Gower

    Correct Answer
    B. Geoffrey Chaucer
    Explanation
    Geoffrey Chaucer is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the author of The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer, an English poet, wrote this collection of stories in the 14th century. His work is considered a masterpiece of English literature and is known for its vivid characters, social commentary, and poetic style. Chaucer's influence on English literature and his contribution to the development of the English language make him a significant figure in literary history.

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  • 2. 

    A story that connects small stories together is called a(n):

    • A.

      Frame

    • B.

      Moral

    • C.

      Epic

    • D.

      Narrative

    Correct Answer
    A. Frame
    Explanation
    A story that connects small stories together is called a frame. In literature, a frame story is a narrative technique where a main story serves as a container for other smaller stories. The main story provides the context and structure for the smaller stories, often serving as a framing device. This technique allows for multiple narratives to be interconnected and adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative structure.

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  • 3. 

    The Canterbury Tales were originally written in?

    • A.

      French

    • B.

      German

    • C.

      Latin

    • D.

      Middle English

    Correct Answer
    D. Middle English
    Explanation
    The Canterbury Tales were originally written in Middle English. Middle English refers to the English language spoken from the 11th to the 15th century, following the Old English period. This was the language commonly used by Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of The Canterbury Tales, to write his famous collection of stories. Chaucer's use of Middle English in his work was significant as it helped to establish the language as a literary medium and played a crucial role in the development of the English language as we know it today.

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  • 4. 

    Which pilgrim preaches that "Love of money is the root of all evil?"

    Correct Answer
    Pardoner
    The Pardoner
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Pardoner. The Pardoner is a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" who sells indulgences and relics to pardon people of their sins. He preaches about the dangers of greed and the love of money, claiming that it is the root of all evil. The Pardoner uses his sermons to manipulate and deceive people for his own financial gain, making him a hypocritical figure in the story.

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  • 5. 

    A  prologue is a(n)

    • A.

      Conclusion

    • B.

      Prayer

    • C.

      Rhyme

    • D.

      Introduction

    Correct Answer
    D. Introduction
    Explanation
    A prologue is an introductory section that comes before the main body of a literary work or performance. It provides background information, sets the tone, and prepares the audience or readers for what is to come. It typically gives an overview of the story or themes, introduces characters, and provides context. Therefore, the correct answer is "introduction."

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  • 6. 

    The Canterbury Tales begins in_____________

    • A.

      The English countryside

    • B.

      The knight's castle

    • C.

      The Tabard Inn

    • D.

      Canterbury Cathedral

    Correct Answer
    C. The Tabard Inn
    Explanation
    The Canterbury Tales begins in The Tabard Inn. This is where the narrator and a group of pilgrims gather before embarking on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. The inn serves as the starting point for their pilgrimage and sets the stage for the storytelling that takes place throughout the rest of the book.

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  • 7. 

    Whose shrine are the pilgrims going to visit?

    Correct Answer
    St. Thomas Becket
    Saint Thomas a Becket
    St. Thomas a Becket
    Saint Thomas Becket
    Thomas Becket
    Explanation
    The correct answer is St. Thomas Becket, Saint Thomas a Becket, St. Thomas a Becket, Saint Thomas Becket, Thomas Becket. These are all different variations of the name of the person whose shrine the pilgrims are going to visit. The variations include the use of "St." or "Saint" before the name, and the inclusion or omission of the middle initial "a".

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  • 8. 

    Which pilgrim has been married 5 times?

    Correct Answer
    The Wife of Bath
    Wife of Bath
    Woman from Bath
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Wife of Bath, Wife of Bath, Woman from Bath. The Wife of Bath is a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" who is known for being married five times. She proudly shares her experiences and opinions on marriage, love, and relationships throughout her prologue and tale. The alternative names, Wife of Bath and Woman from Bath, are also commonly used to refer to this character.

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  • 9. 

    'He wore a fustian tunic stained and dark With smudges where his armor had left a mark.'?

    Correct Answer
    The knight
    Knight
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The knight" or "Knight". The given description describes a person who is wearing a fustian tunic that is stained and dark. The mention of smudges where his armor had left a mark suggests that this person is likely a knight, as knights typically wear armor and engage in battles or combat that could leave marks on their clothing. Therefore, the answer is the knight or Knight.

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  • 10. 

    I'm young, dashing, heroic, and handsome. I keep up with the lastest fashions at court and can wow the ladies with my poetry and singing.

    Correct Answer
    The Squire
    Squire
    Explanation
    The answer is "The Squire". The description provided matches the characteristics of a Squire, who is typically young, attractive, and skilled in courtly activities such as poetry and singing. The repetition of the word "Squire" in the answer reinforces its correctness.

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  • 11. 

    Although I could be called a holy man, I really pride myself on being a great hunter, and I will spare no expense for my equipment and clothing.

    Correct Answer
    The Monk
    Monk
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The Monk". This answer is derived from the given information that the person described is a holy man who also prides himself on being a great hunter and is willing to spend a lot of money on his equipment and clothing. The term "Monk" fits this description as monks are often associated with being holy individuals and can also have hobbies or interests outside of their religious duties.

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  • 12. 

    Do you want to buy one of my holy relics along with that certificate of absolution hot from Rome? Some people say they're just pig's bones but don't believe a word they say.

    Correct Answer
    The Pardoner
    pardoner
    Explanation
    The given correct answer for this question is "The Pardoner." In the given passage, the speaker is offering to sell holy relics along with a certificate of absolution. The mention of "hot from Rome" suggests that these relics are supposed to have religious significance. The term "Pardoner" refers to a person who sells indulgences or pardons for sins, often associated with the Catholic Church. Therefore, it can be inferred that the speaker in the passage is a Pardoner.

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  • 13. 

    I like traveling and I like men - or at least I like the money they leave me when they pass away.

    Correct Answer
    The Wife of Bath
    Wife of Bath
    Woman from Bath
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Wife of Bath. The phrase "I like traveling and I like men" suggests that the person speaking is a woman who enjoys both traveling and being in the company of men. The additional information provided, such as "or at least I like the money they leave me when they pass away," indicates that this woman has a particular interest in men who have money and are willing to leave her an inheritance. This description aligns with the character of The Wife of Bath from Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, who is known for her multiple marriages and desire for financial gain.

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  • 14. 

    His yellow hair falls down to his shoulders like rat-tails.

    Correct Answer
    The pardoner
    Pardoner
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "The pardoner" or "Pardoner". This suggests that the person being described in the sentence is the pardoner. The sentence mentions that his yellow hair falls down to his shoulders like rat-tails. This description helps to identify the pardoner as the person with this unique physical feature.

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  • 15. 

    This pilgrim is truthful, honorable, generous, modest, and courteous.

    Correct Answer
    The Knight
    Knight
    Explanation
    The given answer, "The Knight," is correct. The description of the pilgrim as truthful, honorable, generous, modest, and courteous aligns with the characteristics typically associated with a knight. Knights were known for their chivalry and code of conduct, which included being honest, respectful, and kind. Therefore, it can be inferred that the pilgrim being referred to in the question is the Knight.

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  • 16. 

    In "The Pardoner's Tale," who tells the three rioters where they can find Death?

    • A.

      The bartender

    • B.

      The priest

    • C.

      An old man

    • D.

      Their friend

    Correct Answer
    C. An old man
    Explanation
    In "The Pardoner's Tale," an old man tells the three rioters where they can find Death.

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  • 17. 

    What do the rioters first find under the large oak tree?

    • A.

      A pile of gold

    • B.

      Death

    • C.

      An old man

    • D.

      Poison

    Correct Answer
    A. A pile of gold
    Explanation
    The rioters first find a pile of gold under the large oak tree.

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  • 18. 

    The Pardoner can't help being:

    • A.

      Sorry for his actions

    • B.

      Lazy

    • C.

      Greedy

    • D.

      Friendly

    Correct Answer
    C. Greedy
    Explanation
    The Pardoner's character in Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" is depicted as being greedy. This is evident in his profession as a pardoner, where he sells indulgences and relics for personal gain. He is known to be manipulative and deceitful in order to extract money from people. Additionally, he admits to being motivated by his own greed and desire for wealth. Therefore, the Pardoner's greed is a defining characteristic that influences his actions throughout the story.

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  • 19. 

    In "The Wife of Bath's Tale," who makes the final decision about the knight's punishment?

    • A.

      The king

    • B.

      The knight

    • C.

      The old woman

    • D.

      The queen

    Correct Answer
    D. The queen
    Explanation
    In "The Wife of Bath's Tale," the queen makes the final decision about the knight's punishment. This is evident in the story when the queen gives the knight a chance to save his life by answering her question correctly. The queen's decision ultimately determines the knight's fate and showcases her authority and power in the story.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following does the knight NOT complain about the old woman he must marry?

    • A.

      Her poverty

    • B.

      Her old age

    • C.

      Her ugliness

    • D.

      Her cruelty

    Correct Answer
    D. Her cruelty
    Explanation
    The knight does not complain about the old woman's cruelty because he never mentions or expresses any dissatisfaction or concerns about her being cruel.

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  • 21. 

    According to the old woman, true gentility comes from

    • A.

      The kind of job you have

    • B.

      Your wealth

    • C.

      Your own good actions

    • D.

      Your family connections

    Correct Answer
    C. Your own good actions
    Explanation
    True gentility, according to the old woman, stems from an individual's own good actions. This suggests that one's character and behavior, rather than external factors such as job, wealth, or family connections, determine true gentility. The old woman emphasizes the importance of personal virtues and moral conduct as the defining factors of gentility, highlighting the belief that a person's actions and choices are the ultimate reflection of their character.

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  • 22. 

    "What do women desire most?"

    • A.

      Treasure

    • B.

      Power

    • C.

      Love

    • D.

      Respect

    Correct Answer
    B. Power
    Explanation
    Women desire power because it gives them the ability to make their own choices, have control over their lives, and influence others. Power allows women to have a voice, be heard, and make a difference in the world. It provides them with the opportunity to break free from societal norms and expectations, and achieve their goals and aspirations. Power also grants women the ability to protect themselves, advocate for their rights, and create positive change in their communities. Ultimately, power empowers women to be independent, confident, and successful in all aspects of their lives.

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  • 23. 

    The narrator of "The Prologue" uses this literary device, often saying the opposite of what he really means.

    • A.

      Alliteration

    • B.

      Metaphor

    • C.

      Rhyme

    • D.

      Irony

    Correct Answer
    D. Irony
    Explanation
    The correct answer is irony. Irony is a literary device where the speaker says the opposite of what they really mean. In "The Prologue," the narrator uses irony to convey their true intentions or feelings by saying the opposite of what they actually think or feel. This creates a sense of contradiction and adds depth to the narrative.

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  • 24. 

    When a writer develops a character's personality and physical appearance, he or she is using:

    • A.

      Personification

    • B.

      Irony

    • C.

      Tone

    • D.

      Characterization

    Correct Answer
    D. Characterization
    Explanation
    Characterization refers to the process of developing and portraying a character's personality and physical appearance in a literary work. It involves the use of various techniques such as dialogue, actions, thoughts, and descriptions to bring the character to life and make them believable to the reader. By choosing this answer, it suggests that the writer is actively involved in creating and shaping the character, allowing the reader to understand and connect with them on a deeper level.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Nov 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 22, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Msryan
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