Chaucer And The Canterbury Tales

1.

What year was Chaucer born?

A.

1325
B.

1345
C.

1435
D.

1400

Correct Answer
B. 1345

Explanation
Chaucer was born in 1345. This can be inferred from the options provided. Among the given years, 1345 is the closest to the middle of the range, which is 1325 to 1435. Therefore, it is the most likely year of Chaucer's birth.

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2.

What type of writer was he?

A.

A French novelist
B.

A scientific reporter
C.

An English novelist
D.

An English poet

Correct Answer
D. An English poet

Explanation
The correct answer is "An English poet" because the question is asking about the type of writer the person in question was. The options provided include different types of writers, such as a French novelist, a scientific reporter, and an English novelist. However, the correct answer is "An English poet" as it specifies the specific type of writer the person was.

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3.

Which title is one in which Chaucer also wrote?

A.

Troilus and Criseyde
B.

Trevor and Christine
C.

Persephone's Dream
D.

The Odyssey

Correct Answer
A. Troilus and Criseyde

Explanation
Chaucer wrote Troilus and Criseyde, which makes it the title in which he also wrote.

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4.

What is a pilgrimage?

A.

When someone's home is ransacked and turned over from searching for something
B.

A bonding between brothers and sisters after a death in the family
C.

A journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion
D.

A short journey on one's own, made to alleviate stress and anxiety

Correct Answer
C. A journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion

Explanation
A pilgrimage refers to a journey, typically a long one, that is undertaken to a sacred place as an expression of religious devotion. It involves traveling to a specific location that holds religious significance and is often seen as a spiritual or religious obligation. This journey is not just a casual trip but is made with a specific purpose of seeking spiritual growth, enlightenment, or a deeper connection with one's faith.

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5.

In history, the Canterbury Cathedral was the place where which one of the following incidents/events happened?

A.

Thomas Becket, an Archbishop opposed to Henry II's policies on the church, was murdered there
B.

The English Muffin was created and perfected for future profit
C.

The Knights were ordained after long bouts of war
D.

Canterbury laws and missions were planned and put to use in the church and society

Correct Answer
A. Thomas Becket, an Archbishop opposed to Henry II's policies on the church, was murdered there

Explanation
The correct answer is that Thomas Becket, an Archbishop opposed to Henry II's policies on the church, was murdered at the Canterbury Cathedral. This historical event took place in 1170 when Becket was assassinated by knights loyal to the king. This event had significant implications for the power struggle between the monarchy and the church in medieval England. The murder of Becket elevated him to the status of a martyr and led to his canonization as a saint. The Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site and remains an important historical and religious landmark today.

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6.

The Canterbury Tales were originally written in...

A.

Old English
B.

Middle English
C.

Modern English
D.

German

Correct Answer
B. Middle English

Explanation
The correct answer is Middle English because The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, was originally written in Middle English. Middle English was the form of the English language spoken from the 11th to the 15th century, after Old English and before Modern English. Chaucer's work played a significant role in the development and standardization of the English language.

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7.

Where would you find an introduction to the literature, or the part which gives an overview of all of the different tales told within The Canterbury Tales?

A.

The Pardoner's Tale
B.

The Knight's Tale
C.

The Nun's Tale
D.

The Prologue

Correct Answer
D. The Prologue

Explanation
The Prologue is the part of The Canterbury Tales that provides an introduction to the literature and gives an overview of all the different tales told within the collection. It sets the stage for the stories that follow and introduces the various characters and their backgrounds. The Prologue serves as a framework for the entire work and provides important context for understanding the individual tales.

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8.

What happens in The Canterbury Tales?

A.

The pilgrims, who come from all layers of society, tell stories to each other to kill time while they travel to Canterbury
B.

The pilgrims fight each other for land and religious ranking in society
C.

The pilgrims travel to Canterbury to share a message of warning with fellow Christians about The Black Death
D.

The pilgrims continue to share and pass on the tales of the mighty Beowulf

Correct Answer
A. The pilgrims, who come from all layers of society, tell stories to each other to kill time while they travel to Canterbury

Explanation
The correct answer is that the pilgrims, who come from all layers of society, tell stories to each other to kill time while they travel to Canterbury. This explanation accurately describes the main premise of The Canterbury Tales, which is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The diverse group of pilgrims each takes turns telling a story, resulting in a rich tapestry of different narratives and characters. The storytelling serves as a way for the pilgrims to entertain themselves and pass the time during their travels.

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9.

A frame tale or a frame story is a literary technique used for the purpose of setting the stage either for a more emphasized second narrative or for a set of shorter stories.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
A frame tale or frame story is a literary technique used to set the stage for a more emphasized second narrative or a set of shorter stories. This means that the main story or narrative is framed by another story, providing context and structure to the overall narrative. The frame tale serves as a framework within which the main story or stories are presented, enhancing their impact and providing a deeper understanding of the overall plot.

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10.

The idea of The Three Estates is important to the social structure of the Middle Ages.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The idea of The Three Estates was indeed important to the social structure of the Middle Ages. This concept divided society into three distinct groups: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners or peasants (Third Estate). Each estate had its own roles, privileges, and responsibilities. The First Estate consisted of religious leaders who held significant power and influence. The Second Estate comprised the aristocracy, who held political and military power. The Third Estate consisted of the majority of the population, who were mainly engaged in agricultural work. This social structure played a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and social dynamics of medieval society.

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11.

Women were not categorized AT ALL within The Three Estates during the times of The Canterbury Tales.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
During the times of The Canterbury Tales, women were indeed categorized within The Three Estates. The Three Estates was a social hierarchy that divided society into three groups: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. Women were considered part of the commoners or the "Third Estate." They were not excluded from this categorization and were recognized as a distinct group within society. Therefore, the statement that women were not categorized at all within The Three Estates is incorrect.

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12.

The Black Death was a worse plague than The Great Famine which preceded it and the disease was spread primarily by fleas and rats.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement is true because the Black Death was indeed a worse plague than The Great Famine. The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing the death of millions of people. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was primarily spread by fleas that infested rats. The Great Famine, on the other hand, was a severe shortage of food that occurred in Europe in the early 14th century, leading to widespread hunger and death, but it was not as deadly or widespread as the Black Death.

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