The Canterbury Tales Character Inferences
Read the descriptions written about each of the characters, then choose the answer that provides the best inference based on the given quotes.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Knight: “distinguished man”...“honor, generousness and courtesy”... “honored for his noble graces”...“not gaily dressed”...“tunic stained and dark”...“joined our ranks.”
- A.
Arrogant and proud
- B.
Lonely and shy
- C.
Respected and humble
- D.
Praised and conceited
Correct Answer
C. Respected and humbleExplanation
Based on the given description of the Knight, it can be inferred that he is respected and humble. Phrases such as "distinguished man," "honored for his noble graces," and "joined our ranks" suggest that he is highly regarded and esteemed by others. Additionally, the mention of his tunic being stained and dark implies that he is not concerned with his appearance, indicating humility. Therefore, the answer "respected and humble" aligns with the given information.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Nun: “sang a service”...“spoke daintily”...“her manners were well taught”...“pleasant and friendly”...“wept if she saw but a mouse in a trap.”
- A.
Kind and compassionate
- B.
Rude and unfeeling
- C.
Nice but quiet
- D.
Angry and jealous
Correct Answer
A. Kind and compassionateExplanation
Based on the given description, the nun is portrayed as someone who sings a service, speaks daintily, has good manners, is pleasant and friendly, and even shows empathy towards mice. These qualities suggest that the nun is kind and compassionate.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Friar: “merry...festive fellow”...“noble pillar”...“well-turned speech”...“sweetly he heard...with pleasant [forgiveness].”
- A.
Rude and objectionable
- B.
Forgiving but not liked
- C.
Isolated and vengeful
- D.
Kind and well-spoken
Correct Answer
D. Kind and well-spokenExplanation
The given description of the Friar portrays him as someone who is merry, festive, noble, and well-spoken. Additionally, it mentions that he hears sweetly and forgives pleasantly. These characteristics suggest that the Friar is kind and well-spoken.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Merchant: “high on a horse he sat”...“harped on his increase of capital [money]”...“stately”...“in debt.”
- A.
Poor and disliked
- B.
Vengeful and unkind
- C.
Respected and wealthy
- D.
High status and seemingly rich
Correct Answer
D. High status and seemingly richExplanation
The given description of the merchant portrays him as someone who is "high on a horse", which suggests a position of authority and power. Additionally, the mention of him harping on his increase of capital implies that he is wealthy. The use of the word "stately" further reinforces his high status. However, the phrase "in debt" indicates that despite his outward appearance of wealth, he may not actually be as rich as he seems. Overall, the description suggests that the merchant has a high status and appears to be rich, but it is unclear whether he is truly wealthy or not.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Oxford Cleric: “having twenty books”...“spent on learning”...“returning thanks”...“respectful”...“gladly teach.”
- A.
Well-educated and polite
- B.
Pretends to be educated but is not respected
- C.
Polite but demeaning
- D.
Fake and hypocritical
Correct Answer
A. Well-educated and politeExplanation
The given answer suggests that the Oxford Cleric is well-educated and polite. This is supported by the phrases "having twenty books" and "spent on learning," indicating that the cleric is knowledgeable and dedicated to studying. Additionally, the phrases "returning thanks" and "respectful" imply that the cleric is polite and shows gratitude. The mention of being willing to teach gladly further reinforces the idea that the cleric is well-educated and has a positive attitude towards sharing knowledge.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Carpenter: “trim and fresh”...“knives wrought with the purest silver”...“had capital and revenue”...“seemed a worthy [citizen].”
- A.
Low class and dirty
- B.
Respectable and wealthy
- C.
Mean and rude
- D.
Kind and humble
Correct Answer
B. Respectable and wealthyExplanation
The given phrases such as "trim and fresh," "knives wrought with the purest silver," and "had capital and revenue" suggest that the Carpenter is portrayed as someone who takes care of his appearance and possessions, indicating wealth and prosperity. Additionally, the phrase "seemed a worthy [citizen]" implies that the Carpenter is seen as respectable and deserving of admiration. Therefore, the correct answer is "respectable and wealthy."Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Skipper: “rode a farmers horse”...“summer heat had tanned his color brown”...“his prisoners...walked the plank”...“none...was his match.”
- A.
Hard-working and feared
- B.
Ruthless and a failure in life
- C.
Kind and forgiving
- D.
Highly respected and wealthy
Correct Answer
A. Hard-working and fearedExplanation
Based on the given phrases, it can be inferred that the Skipper "rode a farmer's horse," suggesting physical labor and hard work. The phrase "summer heat had tanned his color brown" implies that he spends a lot of time outdoors, further reinforcing the idea of hard work. The mention of "his prisoners...walked the plank" suggests that he is feared and has authority over others. The phrase "none...was his match" indicates that he is highly skilled and capable. Therefore, the Skipper can be described as hard-working and feared.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Woman from Bath: “her kerchiefs were of finely woven ground”...“handsome”...“she had five husbands”...“she liked to laugh and chat.”
- A.
Poor and lonely
- B.
Despicable and exiled
- C.
Lively and attractive
- D.
Dishonest and unfaithful
Correct Answer
C. Lively and attractiveExplanation
Based on the given information, the woman from Bath is described as having finely woven, handsome kerchiefs, liking to laugh and chat, and having had five husbands. These characteristics suggest that she is lively and attractive.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Plowman: “honest worker”...“help the poor”...“living in peace and perfect charity”...“steadily about his work he went.”
- A.
Unfortunately and not liked
- B.
Lazy and arrogant
- C.
Poor and stingy
- D.
Generous and compassionate
Correct Answer
D. Generous and compassionateExplanation
The given description of the Plowman portrays him as someone who is dedicated to his work and is committed to helping the poor. The phrases "honest worker," "help the poor," and "living in peace and perfect charity" indicate that he is generous and compassionate. This is further supported by the statement "steadily about his work he went," which suggests that he is hardworking and committed to his cause. Therefore, the correct answer is generous and compassionate.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Miller: “A great stout fellow in brawn and bone”...“he would boast”...“his nose displayed a wart”...“mighty mouth was like a furnace door”...“buffoon”...“a master hand at stealing.”
- A.
Ugly but honest
- B.
Powerful yet gentle
- C.
Disrespected and dishonest
- D.
Dirty but well-liked
Correct Answer
C. Disrespected and dishonest -
- 11.
The Summoner: “hot and lecherous”...“black scabby brows”...“children were afraid when he appeared”...“pimples sitting on his cheek”...“would shout and jabber as if crazy.”
- A.
Feared and loathed
- B.
Honest but obnoxious
- C.
Kind and approachable
- D.
Ugly but well-liked
Correct Answer
A. Feared and loathedExplanation
The given description of the Summoner portrays him as someone who is feared and loathed by others. Words like "hot and lecherous," "black scabby brows," and "pimples sitting on his cheek" create a negative image of his appearance, while the mention of children being afraid and him shouting and jabbering as if crazy suggests that his behavior is also unpleasant. Overall, the description indicates that the Summoner is not well-liked and is instead feared and loathed by those around him.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Pardoner: “his wallet lay before him in his lap”...“in one short day, in money down, he drew more that the parson in a month or two”...“honey tongue...[could] win silver from the crowd.”
- A.
Feared and successful
- B.
Well-spoken but greedy
- C.
Compassionate and giving
- D.
Friendly and honest
Correct Answer
B. Well-spoken but greedyExplanation
The given excerpt describes the Pardoner as having a "honey tongue" and being able to "win silver from the crowd." This suggests that he is well-spoken and persuasive, capable of manipulating others with his words. Additionally, it is mentioned that he draws more money in one day than the parson does in a month or two, indicating his greed and financial success. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Pardoner is well-spoken but greedy.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 28, 2010Quiz Created by
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