Exploring Characters of The Canterbury Tales

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY
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1. Which character had followed chivalry, truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy?

Explanation

The qualities of chivalry, truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy are typically associated with a Knight in medieval literature and folklore.

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About This Quiz
Literature Quizzes & Trivia

Explore the rich tapestry of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' through this engaging exploration. Assess your understanding of the historical and literary significance of these tales, enhancing your appreciation and analytical skills in English literature.

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2. What character in English folklore is described as 'his head was like a nut, his face was brown. He knew the whole of woodcraft up and down'?

Explanation

The correct answer, Yeoman, is a character in English folklore commonly associated with the Robin Hood legends. The description provided in the question matches the typical depiction of a Yeoman in these stories, known for their skills in woodcraft and archery.

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3. Which character in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' had little dogs she would be feeding with roasted flesh, or milk, or fine white bread?

Explanation

The correct answer is the Prioress (Nun) as described in 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. The Prioress is depicted as a compassionate and caring character towards animals, including her little dogs.

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4. Who let go of the things of yesterday and took the modern world's more spacious way?

Explanation

The correct answer refers to a monk who has chosen to embrace the modern world's way.

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5. Whose neck was described as whiter than a lily-flower but strong enough to butt a bruiser down?

Explanation

The correct answer is Friar. In the description 'whiter than a lily-flower but strong enough to butt a bruiser down', it refers to the Friar's appearance and physical strength, highlighting the contrast between his gentle exterior and underlying strength.

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6. A man with a forking beard and motley dress, wearing a Flemish beaver hat. What is his occupation?

Explanation

The description of a forking beard and motley dress with a Flemish beaver hat is commonly associated with the occupation of a Merchant in historical contexts.

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7. Who preferred having twenty books in red and black over costly clothes, fiddle, or psaltery?

Explanation

The Oxford Cleric is depicted in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' as someone who values knowledge and learning over material possessions, hence the preference for books over expensive clothing and musical instruments.

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8. Who is described as being less busy than he seemed to be?

Explanation

The question describes someone who appears very busy but is actually less busy than perceived, which fits the character of the Sergeant-at-the-Law in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'.

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9. Who lived for pleasure and had always done, for he was Epicurus' very son?

Explanation

The question is referring to Franklin, who is characterized as living for pleasure as Epicurus' son.

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10. Who would trim and fresh their gear to pass for new?

Explanation

The correct term for individuals who would trim and fresh their gear to pass for new is 'Guildsmen'. Guildsmen were members of medieval craft guilds who were skilled craftsmen and tradesmen.

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11. Who is the character that has an ulcer on his knee?

Explanation

The correct answer is Cook as mentioned in the question. The character with an ulcer on his knee is Cook.

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12. In pirate lingo, if a captain made his enemy vessel sink during a fight, what was his nickname?

Explanation

In pirate culture, the captain of a ship was often referred to as 'Skipper', especially if they were known for sending their enemies to the depths of Davy Jones' locker.

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13. Who could talk as well as he did on points of medicine and of surgery?

Explanation

The correct answer is 'Doctor' because the question is referring to someone knowledgeable in medicine and surgery, which best fits the profession of a doctor.

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14. Which literary character is famously known for having five husbands, all at the church door?

Explanation

The correct answer is the Wife of Bath. She is a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' and is known for her prologue and tale where she discusses her numerous marriages.

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15. What is a term that means rich in holy thought and word; diligent and patient?

Explanation

The term 'Parson' specifically refers to a clergyman or minister who is characterized by being pious, diligent, and patient in their work. The other options - 'Pagan', 'Heretic', and 'Zealot' - do not accurately describe someone who is rich in holy thought and word.

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16. Which character from Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' would help the poor for love of Christ and never take a penny?

Explanation

The Plowman is portrayed as an honest, hardworking individual who genuinely cares for others and helps them selflessly.

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17. Which character from 'The Canterbury Tales' is described as 'old and choleric and thin; his beard was shaven closely to the skin'?

Explanation

The description 'old and choleric and thin; his beard was shaven closely to the skin' matches that of the Reeve, who is known for being a carpenter and a manager of an estate in the medieval story.

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18. In buying victuals; he was never rash whether he bought on credit or paid cash.

Explanation

The correct answer is Manciple because the line refers to one of the pilgrims from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', specifically the Manciple. The Manciple was responsible for purchasing food for the lawyers' Inn of Court in Chaucer's tale.

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19. Whose hair is described as yellow as wax, hanging down smoothly like a hank of flax?

Explanation

The description of hair as yellow as wax and hanging down smoothly like a hank of flax is a direct reference to the Pardoner in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'. The Pardoner is known for his long, flowing hair which is described in this manner.

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20. His face was on fire, like a cherubim, for he had carbuncles.

Explanation

The correct answer, 'Summoner', is referring to a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'. The summoner is described with a face on fire due to carbuncles, which are mentioned in the text.

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21. Which character in the story was described as 'a chap of sixteen stone; his beard was red and broad'?

Explanation

The correct answer is Miller. The description of 'a chap of sixteen stone; his beard was red and broad' matches the physical appearance of the Miller character in the story.

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22. Which term best describes someone who is bold in their speech, yet wise and full of tact?

Explanation

A host is someone who is able to confidently speak in front of others while still being wise and tactful. A rogue is typically known for being deceitful and dishonest. A jester is more focused on entertaining and making jokes rather than being serious and wise. A rebel typically goes against the norm and authority, which may not necessarily align with being tactful and wise in speech.

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23. What is the capital of France?

Explanation

Paris is the capital of France, while London is the capital of the United Kingdom, Berlin is the capital of Germany, and Rome is the capital of Italy.

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24. What is the capital of France?

Explanation

Paris is the capital city of France. It is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum.

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Which character had followed chivalry, truth, honor, generousness, and...
What character in English folklore is described as 'his head was like...
Which character in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' had little dogs...
Who let go of the things of yesterday and took the modern world's more...
Whose neck was described as whiter than a lily-flower but strong...
A man with a forking beard and motley dress, wearing a Flemish beaver...
Who preferred having twenty books in red and black over costly...
Who is described as being less busy than he seemed to be?
Who lived for pleasure and had always done, for he was Epicurus' very...
Who would trim and fresh their gear to pass for new?
Who is the character that has an ulcer on his knee?
In pirate lingo, if a captain made his enemy vessel sink during a...
Who could talk as well as he did on points of medicine and of surgery?
Which literary character is famously known for having five husbands,...
What is a term that means rich in holy thought and word; diligent and...
Which character from Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' would help the...
Which character from 'The Canterbury Tales' is described as 'old and...
In buying victuals; he was never rash whether he bought on credit or...
Whose hair is described as yellow as wax, hanging down smoothly like a...
His face was on fire, like a cherubim, for he had carbuncles.
Which character in the story was described as 'a chap of sixteen...
Which term best describes someone who is bold in their speech, yet...
What is the capital of France?
What is the capital of France?
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