The Medieval Period (1100-1500)

The Medieval Period (1100-1500)

The Medieval Period (1100-1500)

pp. 79-83pp. 79-83

Norman EnglandNorman England

1. Who was Edward the Confessor?

-King of England 1042-1066-son of King Aethelred of England and Emma,

daughter of Duke of Normandy (northern part of France)

-he was 1/2 Norman blood but held a full Norman political and cultural outlook

1. Who was Edward the Confessor?

-King of England 1042-1066-son of King Aethelred of England and Emma,

daughter of Duke of Normandy (northern part of France)

-he was 1/2 Norman blood but held a full Norman political and cultural outlook

Norman EnglandNorman England2. Who was William Duke of Normandy and describe the

reasons for the Norman Conquest (1066):

-Edward died without an heir in 1066-William Duke of Normandy claimed the Eng. Throne (said

the King picked him before his death) along with Englishman Harold Godwinson, who was picked by the Witan (the King’s counsel)

-Harold took the throne-William Duke of Normandy decided to fight him for it

2. Who was William Duke of Normandy and describe the reasons for the Norman Conquest (1066):

-Edward died without an heir in 1066-William Duke of Normandy claimed the Eng. Throne (said

the King picked him before his death) along with Englishman Harold Godwinson, who was picked by the Witan (the King’s counsel)

-Harold took the throne-William Duke of Normandy decided to fight him for it

Norman EnglandNorman EnglandDescribe the Battle of Hastings:

-William Duke of Normandy came across the channel in late Sept. 1066 with between 4000-7000 Norman men and other nobility/adventures from Europe

-William Duke of Normandy built a castle at Hastings; King Harold gathered his men to oppose WDN at the grey apple tree; Harold fought valiantly but was killed; William Duke of Normandy won

Describe the Battle of Hastings:

-William Duke of Normandy came across the channel in late Sept. 1066 with between 4000-7000 Norman men and other nobility/adventures from Europe

-William Duke of Normandy built a castle at Hastings; King Harold gathered his men to oppose WDN at the grey apple tree; Harold fought valiantly but was killed; William Duke of Normandy won

Norman EnglandNorman England4. What did William do to the Anglo-Saxon

nobility?

-killed them; and redistributed their land to his followers in exchange for vows of loyalty and military service (= feudalism).

4. What did William do to the Anglo-Saxon nobility?

-killed them; and redistributed their land to his followers in exchange for vows of loyalty and military service (= feudalism).

Norman EnglandNorman England5. What was the Doomesday book? Why was it

given this name by the people?

-it was a survey of all the land, land owners, workers on the land, size of parcels of land, value of land, etc…in all of England

-a.k.a. formally as “The Description of England”

-called the Doomesday Book because there was no appeal from its judgment

5. What was the Doomesday book? Why was it given this name by the people?

-it was a survey of all the land, land owners, workers on the land, size of parcels of land, value of land, etc…in all of England

-a.k.a. formally as “The Description of England”

-called the Doomesday Book because there was no appeal from its judgment

Norman EnglandNorman England

6. What were the “Nineteen Terrible Winters?”

-the 19 year reign of Stephen of Blois; he was an ineffective and mild king whose reign led to anarchy and the rise of abusive feudal lords who robbed, tortured and imprisoned people for money

6. What were the “Nineteen Terrible Winters?”

-the 19 year reign of Stephen of Blois; he was an ineffective and mild king whose reign led to anarchy and the rise of abusive feudal lords who robbed, tortured and imprisoned people for money

Norman EnglandNorman England7. Define feudalism:

-all landowners were tenants (vassals) of the king; Lords got the use of the land in exchange for loyalty and military service to the king

7. Define feudalism:

-all landowners were tenants (vassals) of the king; Lords got the use of the land in exchange for loyalty and military service to the king

Norman EnglandNorman England8. Define chivalry:

-it was a code of behavior for knights (fighting men) requiring bravery, honor, courtesy, protection of the weak, respect and courtly love for women, generosity, fairness to enemies (i.e. the use of “might for right”— NOT “might makes right”)

-if the code of chivalry was violated by a knight he would lose his honor among his fellow warriors

8. Define chivalry:

-it was a code of behavior for knights (fighting men) requiring bravery, honor, courtesy, protection of the weak, respect and courtly love for women, generosity, fairness to enemies (i.e. the use of “might for right”— NOT “might makes right”)

-if the code of chivalry was violated by a knight he would lose his honor among his fellow warriors

Norman EnglandNorman England9. The First Crusade:

- year: 1095

- purpose: nobles and commoners alike went to Palestine to liberate Christian shrines from Muslim Turks who held it since 1071

9. The First Crusade:

- year: 1095

- purpose: nobles and commoners alike went to Palestine to liberate Christian shrines from Muslim Turks who held it since 1071

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets

10. Who was Henry II? (list 3 highlights of his reign)

-King of England as of 1151

-restored order and power of the monarchy after weak King Stephen

-subdued the feudal lords

-reformed the judicial system

-he was excommunicated by the Pope because of the murder of Thomas Becket by his men

10. Who was Henry II? (list 3 highlights of his reign)

-King of England as of 1151

-restored order and power of the monarchy after weak King Stephen

-subdued the feudal lords

-reformed the judicial system

-he was excommunicated by the Pope because of the murder of Thomas Becket by his men


11. Who was Thomas Becket?

-Archbishop of Canterbury who struggled with Henry II over the issue of the legal rights of the clergy

-killed by Henry II’s knights (allegedly unknown to Henry)

-became a martyr of the faith; pilgrims came to his shrine in Canterbury on his feast day to pray and hope for miracles, etc…

11. Who was Thomas Becket?

-Archbishop of Canterbury who struggled with Henry II over the issue of the legal rights of the clergy

-killed by Henry II’s knights (allegedly unknown to Henry)

-became a martyr of the faith; pilgrims came to his shrine in Canterbury on his feast day to pray and hope for miracles, etc…


12. Who was Richard the Lionhearted? -Henry II’s son and heir; fought in the 3rd Crusade

and held hostage by the Holy Roman Empire

Who was his brother? John

What kind of King was the brother? evil and overreaching; English nobles rose up

against him and made him sign the Magna Carta

12. Who was Richard the Lionhearted? -Henry II’s son and heir; fought in the 3rd Crusade

and held hostage by the Holy Roman Empire

Who was his brother? John

What kind of King was the brother? evil and overreaching; English nobles rose up

against him and made him sign the Magna Carta

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets13. What was the Magna Carta?-it is “The Great Charter” which limits the power of the

king and establishes a representative form of government in England

List four elements of the Magna Carta:1. it defined and safeguarded the basic rights of nobles,

clergy and freemen2. established “habeas corpus” (the protection against

unjust imprisonment)3. trial by jury4. gave the general council (the forerunner of Parliament)

the power over expenditures

13. What was the Magna Carta?-it is “The Great Charter” which limits the power of the

king and establishes a representative form of government in England

List four elements of the Magna Carta:1. it defined and safeguarded the basic rights of nobles,

clergy and freemen2. established “habeas corpus” (the protection against

unjust imprisonment)3. trial by jury4. gave the general council (the forerunner of Parliament)

the power over expenditures

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets14. The Hundred Years War

-began in what year: 1337

-fought between who? why?-England and France went to war because England controlled

large tracts of French land; Henry V was once the King of both England and France

-how did it end?-England did well at first, but the French didn’t give up; Joan

of Arc helped turn the tide of the war and France finally prevailed and got back all its land from England, except the channel port of Calais

14. The Hundred Years War

-began in what year: 1337

-fought between who? why?-England and France went to war because England controlled

large tracts of French land; Henry V was once the King of both England and France

-how did it end?-England did well at first, but the French didn’t give up; Joan

of Arc helped turn the tide of the war and France finally prevailed and got back all its land from England, except the channel port of Calais

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets15. What is a crossbow and how was it relevant

to the end of Feudalism?

-it was an innovative weapon (cross between the regular bow and a weapon with a trigger device) that along with the cannon helped put an end to feudalism because mounted knights were no longer needed to win military victories

15. What is a crossbow and how was it relevant to the end of Feudalism?

-it was an innovative weapon (cross between the regular bow and a weapon with a trigger device) that along with the cannon helped put an end to feudalism because mounted knights were no longer needed to win military victories

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets16. What is the Black Death? How was it

relevant to Feudalism?

-Bubonic Plague; it killed about 1/3 of England’s population and helped to end feudalism because the serfs escaped the feudal lords in all the chaos and went to the bigger cities for work; consequently, their wages rose

16. What is the Black Death? How was it relevant to Feudalism?

-Bubonic Plague; it killed about 1/3 of England’s population and helped to end feudalism because the serfs escaped the feudal lords in all the chaos and went to the bigger cities for work; consequently, their wages rose

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets17. When did the Peasants’ Revolt take place and why

did it start?

-1381; the government levied a poll tax in a fixed amount on each person to be paid equally regardless of the size of a person’s income (it was used to pay for a very expensive war with France)

-were the peasants successful?

-no; the revolt collapsed when its leader (Wat Tyler) was killed

17. When did the Peasants’ Revolt take place and why did it start?

-1381; the government levied a poll tax in a fixed amount on each person to be paid equally regardless of the size of a person’s income (it was used to pay for a very expensive war with France)

-were the peasants successful?

-no; the revolt collapsed when its leader (Wat Tyler) was killed

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets18. The Great Schism- (1378)

-a fight in the Church over papal succession; at one point there were three rival popes

Wycliffe’s English translation of the Bible- (1381)

-the Bible was now written in English, the vernacular (or language of the common people) instead of Latin; people could see God’s Word for themselves; this first step ultimately leads to the Reformation

18. The Great Schism- (1378)

-a fight in the Church over papal succession; at one point there were three rival popes

Wycliffe’s English translation of the Bible- (1381)

-the Bible was now written in English, the vernacular (or language of the common people) instead of Latin; people could see God’s Word for themselves; this first step ultimately leads to the Reformation

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets19. Name two things that helped legitimize

English as a literary language during this period:

-upper classes adopted English as their language over that of French or Latin

-popularity of the King Arthur legends and The Canterbury Tales

19. Name two things that helped legitimize English as a literary language during this period:

-upper classes adopted English as their language over that of French or Latin

-popularity of the King Arthur legends and The Canterbury Tales

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets20. Which mythical folk hero was the subject of

the common people ballads of the day?

-Robin Hood

20. Which mythical folk hero was the subject of the common people ballads of the day?

-Robin Hood

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets21. Anglo-Saxon alliteration, like we see in

Beowulf, is replaced with what type of verse (as a result of French influences)?

-end rhyming verse

21. Anglo-Saxon alliteration, like we see in Beowulf, is replaced with what type of verse (as a result of French influences)?

-end rhyming verse

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets22. What were miracle or mystery plays? What

did they evolve into?

-they were plays performed in and just outside of churches and dealt with Bible stories or devotional stories about the saints

-they became cycles of plays presented in large towns on feast days and ultimately aided in the development of drama

22. What were miracle or mystery plays? What did they evolve into?

-they were plays performed in and just outside of churches and dealt with Bible stories or devotional stories about the saints

-they became cycles of plays presented in large towns on feast days and ultimately aided in the development of drama

England Under the PlantagenetsEngland Under the Plantagenets23. War of the Roses-began when? 1455-lasted how long? 30 years-fought between whom? -Two families were vying for the English throne; the

Lancasters (emblem=red rose) and the Yorks (emblem=white rose)

-how did it end? who prevailed?-King Richard III (a York) fought Henry Tudor (a Lancaster) for the throne; Henry prevailed and became King Henry VII; he married Elizabeth of York, ending the war; this new family (the Tudors) ruled England for the next 100 years

23. War of the Roses-began when? 1455-lasted how long? 30 years-fought between whom? -Two families were vying for the English throne; the

Lancasters (emblem=red rose) and the Yorks (emblem=white rose)

-how did it end? who prevailed?-King Richard III (a York) fought Henry Tudor (a Lancaster) for the throne; Henry prevailed and became King Henry VII; he married Elizabeth of York, ending the war; this new family (the Tudors) ruled England for the next 100 years

Geoffrey Chaucer NotesGeoffrey Chaucer Notes1. Chaucer’s family had sufficient social status for

him to receive a courtly education.

2. Chaucer was in some connected to the royal family all his life.

3. He married Philippa Roet, a lady in waiting to the Queen.

1. Chaucer’s family had sufficient social status for him to receive a courtly education.

2. Chaucer was in some connected to the royal family all his life.

3. He married Philippa Roet, a lady in waiting to the Queen.

Geoffrey Chaucer NotesGeoffrey Chaucer Notes4. One of his duties was to act as a government

envoy on foreign diplomatic missions, something like an ambassador.

5. Chaucer had French and Italian influences in his writing because of his travels abroad as an ambassador/envoy.

6. In Italy, he was influenced by Italian Renaissance writers (like Bocaccio who wrote The Decameron: Federigo’s Falcon).

4. One of his duties was to act as a government envoy on foreign diplomatic missions, something like an ambassador.

5. Chaucer had French and Italian influences in his writing because of his travels abroad as an ambassador/envoy.

6. In Italy, he was influenced by Italian Renaissance writers (like Bocaccio who wrote The Decameron: Federigo’s Falcon).

Geoffrey Chaucer NotesGeoffrey Chaucer Notes7. Upon returning to London, he became a customs

official at the Port of London.

8. When he died in 1400, he was buried in Westminster Abbey in a section that became known as Poet’s Corner.

9. Chaucer lost or gave up his job in 1386, the year in which it is believed that he began composing The Canterbury Tales.

7. Upon returning to London, he became a customs official at the Port of London.

8. When he died in 1400, he was buried in Westminster Abbey in a section that became known as Poet’s Corner.

9. Chaucer lost or gave up his job in 1386, the year in which it is believed that he began composing The Canterbury Tales.

Geoffrey Chaucer NotesGeoffrey Chaucer Notes10. The major literary masterpiece is unfinished.

11. It is a concoction of character sketches, conversations, and stories.

12. It is set within a frame or larger narrative of a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury undertaken by 29 intrepid pilgrim’s. Chaucer planned to include 120 stories, but managed only 24, some of them incomplete, before his death.

10. The major literary masterpiece is unfinished.

11. It is a concoction of character sketches, conversations, and stories.

12. It is set within a frame or larger narrative of a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury undertaken by 29 intrepid pilgrim’s. Chaucer planned to include 120 stories, but managed only 24, some of them incomplete, before his death.

Geoffrey Chaucer NotesGeoffrey Chaucer Notes

13. They represent a cross-section of the 14th Century population, ranging in rank from a knight to a poor plowman. Only the very highest and very lowest ranks are missing (namely, the nobility and the serfs).

13. They represent a cross-section of the 14th Century population, ranging in rank from a knight to a poor plowman. Only the very highest and very lowest ranks are missing (namely, the nobility and the serfs).

The Canterbury Tales NotesThe Canterbury Tales Notes

Literary Terms

1) Frame-story format: A situation that brings a group of people together and gives them an opportunity to reveal their individual characters by reacting to stresses placed on them by the vagaries of the plot or interpersonal relationships.

2) Characterization: (p.898): The methods an author uses to develop the personality of a character in a literary work. An author can describe a character’s appearance and personality, speech and behavior, thoughts and feelings, and interactions with other characters. Characters may be “round” or “flat”--as is a stereotype—and dynamic or static.


Literary Terms3) Exemplum: A moralized tale. Just as modern day preachers

use illustrations, Medieval clergy used historical and legendary stories or tales to teach morals and doctrines. In addition to the moral instruction they provided, the people liked the exemplum device very much because of the reality, story line and human interest quality. Collections of exempla, classified according to subject were prepared for use by preachers. At times these sermons degenerated into a mere series of anecdotes that were humorous in nature.


This Middle English work of poetry uses an imaginative frame-

story format to present twenty-four tales. As we have already seen, a group of pilgrims meet at a tavern on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury.

They agree to pass the long hours of their journey in a story telling contest to be judged by the innkeeper. The stories range from bawdy burlesques to tales of chivalry, from local folk legends to sermons. Chaucer’s genius is such that the tales reveal the personalities of the tellers; additionally, the pilgrims’ distinct personalities come out as they converse and argue between stories.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal Characters

This Middle English work of poetry uses an imaginative frame-

story format to present twenty-four tales. As we have already seen, a group of pilgrims meet at a tavern on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury.

They agree to pass the long hours of their journey in a story telling contest to be judged by the innkeeper. The stories range from bawdy burlesques to tales of chivalry, from local folk legends to sermons. Chaucer’s genius is such that the tales reveal the personalities of the tellers; additionally, the pilgrims’ distinct personalities come out as they converse and argue between stories.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Knight, a courtly medieval fighting man who has

served the king and religion all over the known world.1. He is one of the “purest” of the characters; he loves

chivalry and has fought in many lands to defend his beliefs; he has a deep sense of moral responsibility to defend his faith and to be fair and just even to his enemies (i.e. he will not steal from the Turks).

2. He is modest in dress and speech, even though he is the highest in rank of the group of pilgrims.

3. He rides only with his son and a yeoman in attendance.4. He tells the first story of the group, a story of courtly

love where two noblemen compete in a tournament for the hand of a beautiful maiden.

The Knight, a courtly medieval fighting man who has served the king and religion all over the known world.

1. He is one of the “purest” of the characters; he loves chivalry and has fought in many lands to defend his beliefs; he has a deep sense of moral responsibility to defend his faith and to be fair and just even to his enemies (i.e. he will not steal from the Turks).

2. He is modest in dress and speech, even though he is the highest in rank of the group of pilgrims.

3. He rides only with his son and a yeoman in attendance.4. He tells the first story of the group, a story of courtly

love where two noblemen compete in a tournament for the hand of a beautiful maiden.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Squire, the Knight’s son, a young man of

twenty who has fought in several battles.

1. He is full of knightly courtesy like his father, but he also likes to have a good time.

2. He tells a story of adventure and enchantment in a foreign land.

3. While his father’s concept of love focuses on love of God, the Squire’s concept is the more down to earth love between a man and a woman.

The Squire, the Knight’s son, a young man of twenty who has fought in several battles.

1. He is full of knightly courtesy like his father, but he also likes to have a good time.

2. He tells a story of adventure and enchantment in a foreign land.

3. While his father’s concept of love focuses on love of God, the Squire’s concept is the more down to earth love between a man and a woman.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Yeoman, the Knight’s attendant.1. He is a forester (perhaps something like a forest ranger,

he knows his way around that type of wilderness environment)

2. He takes excellent care of his gear; his precision and neatness with regard to his weapons show his appreciation of how they may be all that stand between him and death.

3. He wears a medal of St. Christopher on his breast (invoked to protect against sudden death) (patron saint of horsemen and today’s police officers).

The Yeoman, the Knight’s attendant.1. He is a forester (perhaps something like a forest ranger,

he knows his way around that type of wilderness environment)

2. He takes excellent care of his gear; his precision and neatness with regard to his weapons show his appreciation of how they may be all that stand between him and death.

3. He wears a medal of St. Christopher on his breast (invoked to protect against sudden death) (patron saint of horsemen and today’s police officers).

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Nun (or Prioress), Madame Eglantine, travels

with another nun and three priests the shrine at Canterbury. She is like a Mother Superior of today. Her story is of a child religious martyr.

1) Her name means “honeysuckle”-- this is not a religious name that would be fit for a nun.

2) She pretends to have a French accent, showing her exposure to a worldly life at court.

3) She is supposed to be a woman of conscience and sympathy by vocation, yet things about her indicate ambiguity on this point, for example:

The Nun (or Prioress), Madame Eglantine, travels with another nun and three priests the shrine at Canterbury. She is like a Mother Superior of today. Her story is of a child religious martyr.

1) Her name means “honeysuckle”-- this is not a religious name that would be fit for a nun.

2) She pretends to have a French accent, showing her exposure to a worldly life at court.

3) She is supposed to be a woman of conscience and sympathy by vocation, yet things about her indicate ambiguity on this point, for example:

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal Characters

-her pets eat better than most people; she is prideful and overly conscious about her manners

-she wears a gold necklace and coral beads (what about her vow of poverty?)

-she wears a “Love conquers All” brooch-- because she is a bit of a flirt, this phrase may not be talking about religious love but carnal love (what about her vow of chastity?)

-her pets eat better than most people; she is prideful and overly conscious about her manners

-she wears a gold necklace and coral beads (what about her vow of poverty?)

-she wears a “Love conquers All” brooch-- because she is a bit of a flirt, this phrase may not be talking about religious love but carnal love (what about her vow of chastity?)

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Monk, a fat hedonist who prefers to be out of his

cloister on hunting trips.1) He hates books and learning and prefers to eat and hunt.2) He is not supposed to have materialistic goals, yet he

owns a stable, wears fur-lined gowns and has jewels.3) He is the picture of a selfish and egotistical person.

There is a tremendous irony here because the man freely took a position where he was supposed to devote his life to God and others, then decides to live a life of ease for his own purposes.

4) The Monk is crafty because he takes the best from both worlds (ecclesiastical and secular), yet participates directly in neither.

The Monk, a fat hedonist who prefers to be out of his cloister on hunting trips.

1) He hates books and learning and prefers to eat and hunt.2) He is not supposed to have materialistic goals, yet he

owns a stable, wears fur-lined gowns and has jewels.3) He is the picture of a selfish and egotistical person.

There is a tremendous irony here because the man freely took a position where he was supposed to devote his life to God and others, then decides to live a life of ease for his own purposes.

4) The Monk is crafty because he takes the best from both worlds (ecclesiastical and secular), yet participates directly in neither.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Friar, a merry chap who knows barmaids better than

the sick, poor people to whom he is supposed to minister.

1) A Friar was licensed to hear confessions and beg for money

2) This Friar had a reputation of being the best beggar in the house, but is also a venal and worldly man. He profits personally from his rich clientele by giving them light penance for their sins when they make their confessions to him.

3) Chaucer’s characterization of the Friar shows the corrupt nature of the penance system when in practice the degree of penance depended on the social condition of the sinner.

The Friar, a merry chap who knows barmaids better than the sick, poor people to whom he is supposed to minister.

1) A Friar was licensed to hear confessions and beg for money

2) This Friar had a reputation of being the best beggar in the house, but is also a venal and worldly man. He profits personally from his rich clientele by giving them light penance for their sins when they make their confessions to him.

3) Chaucer’s characterization of the Friar shows the corrupt nature of the penance system when in practice the degree of penance depended on the social condition of the sinner.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal Characters4) The Friar despises the lower classes, calling

them “vulgar scum.”

5) The Friar lisps to be more fashionable, committing the first of the Seven Deadly Sins, pride.

6) He tells a tale of a summoner who loses his soul to the Devil.

4) The Friar despises the lower classes, calling them “vulgar scum.”

5) The Friar lisps to be more fashionable, committing the first of the Seven Deadly Sins, pride.

6) He tells a tale of a summoner who loses his soul to the Devil.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal Characters The Merchant, a tight-lipped business man.

1) He is unhappily married.

2) He tells a story of the evils of marriage between old men and young women.

The Merchant, a tight-lipped business man.

1) He is unhappily married.

2) He tells a story of the evils of marriage between old men and young women.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Clerk of Oxford, a serious young

scholar.1) He heeds philosophy and prefers

books to worldly pleasures.2) His tale is an answer to the Wife of

Bath’s idea that in marriage a woman ought to have dominion. His story is of a patient wife who endures a lot of trouble from her husband.

The Clerk of Oxford, a serious young scholar.

1) He heeds philosophy and prefers books to worldly pleasures.

2) His tale is an answer to the Wife of Bath’s idea that in marriage a woman ought to have dominion. His story is of a patient wife who endures a lot of trouble from her husband.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Sergeant of Law, a busy lawyer.

1) He is a man who seems busier than he really is (like many lawyers).

2) He makes a great show of his learning, citing cases all the way back to William the Conqueror.

The Sergeant of Law, a busy lawyer.1) He is a man who seems busier than he really is (like many lawyers).

2) He makes a great show of his learning, citing cases all the way back to William the Conqueror.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Franklin, a rich landlord who loves

to eat and keeps his table always full of things on which to nosh.

1) He was formerly the sheriff of his county.

2) He tells a story of chivalry and the supernatural; then apologizes for his story and its telling, saying he is an uneducated man.

The Franklin, a rich landlord who loves to eat and keeps his table always full of things on which to nosh.

1) He was formerly the sheriff of his county.

2) He tells a story of chivalry and the supernatural; then apologizes for his story and its telling, saying he is an uneducated man.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Shipman, captain of a ship out of

Dartmouth. 1) He is a good skipper and a smuggler.2) He tells a bawdy tale about a

merchant who is cheated of his wife’s favors and his money by a sly monk

The Shipman, captain of a ship out of Dartmouth.

1) He is a good skipper and a smuggler.2) He tells a bawdy tale about a

merchant who is cheated of his wife’s favors and his money by a sly monk

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Doctor of Physick, a materialistic

man greatly interested in money. He knows all the great medical and astrological authorities and seldom reads the Bible.

The Doctor of Physick, a materialistic man greatly interested in money. He knows all the great medical and astrological authorities and seldom reads the Bible.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Parson, a poor but loyal

churchman.1) He teaches his parishioners by his

good example.2) He refuses to tell an idle tale, and

instead tells what he calls a “merry tale” about the Seven Deadly Sins.

The Parson, a poor but loyal churchman.

1) He teaches his parishioners by his good example.

2) He refuses to tell an idle tale, and instead tells what he calls a “merry tale” about the Seven Deadly Sins.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Plowman, an honest man, the

Parson’s brother. He tells no tale.The Plowman, an honest man, the

Parson’s brother. He tells no tale.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Miller, a jolly, somewhat drunken

reveler. 1) He leads the company playing on his

bagpipes. 2) He tells a bawdy story about a

carpenter who is cuckolded by his young wife and her witty lover (it has a sort of Three Stooges air about it).

The Miller, a jolly, somewhat drunken reveler.

1) He leads the company playing on his bagpipes.

2) He tells a bawdy story about a carpenter who is cuckolded by his young wife and her witty lover (it has a sort of Three Stooges air about it).

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Reeve, a slender, choleric (bad-

tempered) man.1) He was formerly a carpenter, so he is angry about the Miller’s Tale.2) To get back at him, the Reeve tells a story about a miller cuckolded by two students who sleep with the miller’s wife and daughter.

The Reeve, a slender, choleric (bad-tempered) man.1) He was formerly a carpenter, so he is angry about the Miller’s Tale.2) To get back at him, the Reeve tells a story about a miller cuckolded by two students who sleep with the miller’s wife and daughter.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThe Summoner 1) He is a lecherous drunk who loves

food and strong drink.2) Angered by the Friar’s tale about a

summoner, he tells a tale about a friar who becomes the butt of a harsh joke.

The Summoner 1) He is a lecherous drunk who loves

food and strong drink.2) Angered by the Friar’s tale about a

summoner, he tells a tale about a friar who becomes the butt of a harsh joke.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersHarry Bailey, the host at the Tabard Inn

in Southwark.1) He organizes the storytelling among

the pilgrims, with the winner getting a meal at the expense of the others upon their return.

2) He is a natural leader as his words and actions show.

Harry Bailey, the host at the Tabard Inn in Southwark.

1) He organizes the storytelling among the pilgrims, with the winner getting a meal at the expense of the others upon their return.

2) He is a natural leader as his words and actions show.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal Characters Geoffrey Chaucer, the author who puts himself

into the poem as a quiet, mild mannered person. He tries to recite a dreary tale, which is interrupted by criticism by the others that it is dull. He starts a different story in an effort to please his listeners.

The popularity of Chaucer’s work is due to the variety of stories and characters he portrays.

He does not condemn any of the characters he presents. Instead he allows them to reveal their own faults or makes clever comments on the side that subtly suggest a viewpoint.

The reader is allowed to see each pilgrim as a human being, with both vices and virtues to which the reader can relate.

Geoffrey Chaucer, the author who puts himself into the poem as a quiet, mild mannered person. He tries to recite a dreary tale, which is interrupted by criticism by the others that it is dull. He starts a different story in an effort to please his listeners.

The popularity of Chaucer’s work is due to the variety of stories and characters he portrays.

He does not condemn any of the characters he presents. Instead he allows them to reveal their own faults or makes clever comments on the side that subtly suggest a viewpoint.

The reader is allowed to see each pilgrim as a human being, with both vices and virtues to which the reader can relate.

Notes on the Principal CharactersNotes on the Principal CharactersThere is no single theme to the

tales; it is more likely that The Canterbury Tales give its readers a representative view of humanity (or the human comedy) in the fourteenth century, as well as in all ages.

There is no single theme to the tales; it is more likely that The Canterbury Tales give its readers a representative view of humanity (or the human comedy) in the fourteenth century, as well as in all ages.

The Pardoner’s Prologue and Tale


During the Medieval Period, the Church employed pardoners to collect money in exchange for the pardons of specific sins. The money was supposed to go to support the Church, but often some, or all, of the money remained in the pardoner’s pockets. Pardoners were also known to sell false religious relics to make extra money for themselves on the side. The Office of Pardoner was abolished in 1562.

During the Medieval Period, the Church employed pardoners to collect money in exchange for the pardons of specific sins. The money was supposed to go to support the Church, but often some, or all, of the money remained in the pardoner’s pockets. Pardoners were also known to sell false religious relics to make extra money for themselves on the side. The Office of Pardoner was abolished in 1562.



The Pardoner is a womanish man with long, blond hair. He boasts of his success in preaching against avarice (greed), “the very vice,” he says, “ I make my living out of. The Pardoner is a fake who admits his evil. He brags of his bad treatment of the people he is supposed to serve. It is important to note that Chaucer never says the Pardoner is a bad person. He allows the Pardoner to reveal his character through his fights with other pilgrims and through the story he tells.

The Pardoner is a womanish man with long, blond hair. He boasts of his success in preaching against avarice (greed), “the very vice,” he says, “ I make my living out of. The Pardoner is a fake who admits his evil. He brags of his bad treatment of the people he is supposed to serve. It is important to note that Chaucer never says the Pardoner is a bad person. He allows the Pardoner to reveal his character through his fights with other pilgrims and through the story he tells.



The Pardoner’s Tale is actually a sermon on the evils of the unnatural love of money, which can lead one to his or her death (i.e. an exemplum).Ironically, the Pardoner follows up his sermon with an attempt to sell phony relics to his fellow pilgrims.

The Pardoner’s Tale is actually a sermon on the evils of the unnatural love of money, which can lead one to his or her death (i.e. an exemplum).Ironically, the Pardoner follows up his sermon with an attempt to sell phony relics to his fellow pilgrims.



Irony: (p.912-913): A contrast between what appears to be and what really is.

In verbal irony, words imply the opposite of what they literally mean. Irony of situation presents a state of affairs that is the opposite of what is expected. Dramatic irony occurs in fiction or drama when the reader knows more than a character or characters do.



The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale






Her name is Alice. She is a cloth-maker and five times a widow. Chaucer also slyly adds that she knew lots of “other company in her youth.” Apparently wealthy from her marriages, she has traveled a great deal, including three trips to Jerusalem. She is well versed in the ways of marriage, and strongly puts forth her theory that the woman must dominate in marriage. To make her point, she tells a story set in King Arthur’s day. Ironically, her story is a romance stressing the Arthurian virtues of courtesy and gentility. It is centered around a knight who has dishonored his calling by raping a woman. He is sentenced to death unless he can, in a year and a day, discover “what women most desire.” What is the answer? Who tells him the answer? At what potential cost to the knight? What happens at the end of the tale?

Her name is Alice. She is a cloth-maker and five times a widow. Chaucer also slyly adds that she knew lots of “other company in her youth.” Apparently wealthy from her marriages, she has traveled a great deal, including three trips to Jerusalem. She is well versed in the ways of marriage, and strongly puts forth her theory that the woman must dominate in marriage. To make her point, she tells a story set in King Arthur’s day. Ironically, her story is a romance stressing the Arthurian virtues of courtesy and gentility. It is centered around a knight who has dishonored his calling by raping a woman. He is sentenced to death unless he can, in a year and a day, discover “what women most desire.” What is the answer? Who tells him the answer? At what potential cost to the knight? What happens at the end of the tale?


The Wife of Bath is Chaucer’s most complex character:1) she is gaudy, bold, crude and brash2) she is a champion of oppressed womanhood;3) an outrageous misinterpreter of the Bible;4) she has a lusty appetite for whatever the future may hold.

The Wife of Bath is Chaucer’s most complex character:1) she is gaudy, bold, crude and brash2) she is a champion of oppressed womanhood;3) an outrageous misinterpreter of the Bible;4) she has a lusty appetite for whatever the future may hold.


She defies the conventional ideas of her time and believes that celibacy is not superior to active sexuality; that a woman need not be passive within marriage; that philandering is not only for men to partake of; that women should have equal ownership of property and money with their husbands; and that husbands have no right to control the movements and activities of their wives.

She defies the conventional ideas of her time and believes that celibacy is not superior to active sexuality; that a woman need not be passive within marriage; that philandering is not only for men to partake of; that women should have equal ownership of property and money with their husbands; and that husbands have no right to control the movements and activities of their wives.


Her good humor, skepticism and vigor in the face of such a long tradition of complete male dominance are truly remarkable. While some of her ideas would improve the society of her day, which clearly are not spiritually sanctioned? Certainly on the issue of philandering, society would be better off if both men and women abstained from such activities.

Her good humor, skepticism and vigor in the face of such a long tradition of complete male dominance are truly remarkable. While some of her ideas would improve the society of her day, which clearly are not spiritually sanctioned? Certainly on the issue of philandering, society would be better off if both men and women abstained from such activities.

Documents

The Medieval Period (1100-1500)