Canterbury Tales & Geoffrey Chaucer Quiz
Includes Canterbury Tales historical context, Medieval England and Geoffrey Chaucer
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Domesday Book was a tax record levied by William the Conquorer.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Domesday Book was indeed a tax record levied by William the Conqueror. It was a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources in England, completed in 1086. The purpose of the Domesday Book was to assess and collect taxes from the landowners, allowing William to efficiently govern and tax his newly acquired kingdom. This record provided valuable information about the wealth and resources of the country, making it an essential tool for the administration of England.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Middle Ages began in 1066 C.E. when Henry Tudor killed Richard III to become King Henry VII.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The Middle Ages did not begin in 1066 C.E. with the killing of Richard III by Henry Tudor. The Middle Ages is a historical period that is generally considered to have started around the 5th century and ended around the 15th century. The event mentioned in the statement is actually referring to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty in England.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which event led to the emergence of English as a prominent language?
- A.
The Hundred Years War
- B.
The Black Death (bubonic plague)
- C.
Chaucer writes The Canterbury Tales
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the events mentioned - The Hundred Years War, the Black Death, and Chaucer writing The Canterbury Tales - contributed to the emergence of English as a prominent language. The Hundred Years War between England and France resulted in an increased use of English among the English soldiers and nobility. The Black Death led to a decline in the use of Latin and an increased emphasis on vernacular languages like English. Chaucer's writing of The Canterbury Tales in Middle English helped to establish English as a literary language. Together, these events played a significant role in the development and prominence of the English language.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Geoffrey Chaucer is often referred to as
- A.
"the father of the French language."
- B.
"morbi a viro" in Latin.
- C.
"your mother."
- D.
"the father of English literature."
Correct Answer
D. "the father of English literature."Explanation
Geoffrey Chaucer is often referred to as "the father of English literature" because he is considered one of the most important and influential writers in the history of English literature. Chaucer's works, particularly his masterpiece "The Canterbury Tales," played a crucial role in popularizing the English language as a literary medium during a time when Latin and French were the dominant languages of literature. Chaucer's use of Middle English vernacular and his skillful storytelling techniques helped shape the development of English literature and had a lasting impact on future generations of writers.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Chivalry is a code of conduct for knight's in medieval times.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Chivalry is indeed a code of conduct for knights in medieval times. It encompassed ideals such as honor, bravery, loyalty, and respect towards women. Knights were expected to follow this code, which dictated their behavior both on and off the battlefield. Chivalry played a significant role in shaping the knightly culture and defining their role in society during the Middle Ages.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which is the class hierarchy in the feudal system (from most privileged to least privileged)?
- A.
Knights, barons, and serfs
- B.
Serfs, knights, and barons
- C.
Barons, knights, and serfs
- D.
Barons, serfs, and knights
Correct Answer
C. Barons, knights, and serfsExplanation
In the feudal system, the class hierarchy is structured in a way that the most privileged class is the barons, followed by the knights, and the least privileged class is the serfs. Barons were high-ranking nobles who held land directly from the king and had significant power and wealth. Knights were below the barons and served as warriors and protectors of the land. Serfs were at the bottom of the hierarchy, bound to the land and obligated to work for the barons and knights in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Magna Carta, signed by King John, further limited the power of the lower class.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The Magna Carta, signed by King John, did not further limit the power of the lower class. In fact, it was a historic document that aimed to limit the power of the monarchy and protect the rights of the nobility. The Magna Carta established principles such as due process of law and the right to a fair trial, which were important steps towards the development of modern democratic systems. However, it did not specifically address the power or rights of the lower class. Therefore, the statement that the Magna Carta further limited the power of the lower class is false.Rate this question:
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- 8.
By the time Chaucer writes The Canterbury Tales, most people in England are Christians.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because during the time Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, Christianity was the dominant religion in England. The majority of the population identified as Christians and practiced the religion. Chaucer himself was a devout Christian, and many of the characters in his tales also reflect Christian beliefs and values. Therefore, it can be concluded that most people in England during that time were indeed Christians.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Geoffrey Chaucer's father was a wine merchant who seized opportunities to move up in society in the wake of widespread plague.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because it states that Geoffrey Chaucer's father was a wine merchant who took advantage of opportunities to improve his social status during the time of the widespread plague. This suggests that Chaucer's father was able to capitalize on the economic and social disruptions caused by the plague, which allowed him to move up in society.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How is The Canterbury Tales unique from other literature of its time?
- A.
It uses a frame story to string multiple tales together.
- B.
It is a narrative poem (a story in the form of a poem).
- C.
It chronicles the lives of extraordinary people.
- D.
It is written in English (Middle English).
Correct Answer
D. It is written in English (Middle English).Explanation
The Canterbury Tales is unique from other literature of its time because it is written in English (Middle English). During the medieval period, most literature was written in Latin or French, which were the dominant languages of the educated elite. However, Chaucer's decision to write in English made his work more accessible to a wider audience, including the common people. This choice also allowed Chaucer to capture the everyday language and vernacular of his time, giving his characters a more realistic and relatable voice.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The legendary Arthur was the English king who helped pay Geoffrey Chaucer's ransom in the Hundred Years War.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The legendary Arthur, who is often associated with the King Arthur of Arthurian legend, did not exist in history. Therefore, it is not possible for him to have helped pay Geoffrey Chaucer's ransom in the Hundred Years War.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The pilgrims in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales are traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, the pilgrims are indeed traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket. The story revolves around a group of pilgrims who journey together to visit this famous religious site. The pilgrimage serves as the backdrop for the various tales told by the characters, showcasing different aspects of medieval society and offering a commentary on human nature. Thus, the statement "True" accurately reflects the purpose of the pilgrims' journey in the story.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Geoffrey Chaucer completed The Canterbury Tales in 1387, finishing with 120 tales from the perspective of all 30 pilgrims.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because Geoffrey Chaucer did not complete The Canterbury Tales in 1387. Although he began writing the tales in the late 14th century, he was unable to finish the work before his death. As a result, The Canterbury Tales remains unfinished, with only 24 tales completed out of the intended 120.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What language dominated the monarchies and noble classes in medieval England?
- A.
Old English
- B.
Roman Latin
- C.
Middle English
- D.
Norman French
Correct Answer
D. Norman FrenchExplanation
Norman French was the language that dominated the monarchies and noble classes in medieval England. This is because in 1066, William the Conqueror, a Norman, invaded England and established Norman French as the language of the ruling elite. The Normans brought their language and culture with them, and it became the language of the court, administration, and the nobility. While the general population still spoke Old English, the ruling classes used Norman French for several centuries, until Middle English eventually emerged as a combination of Old English and Norman French.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Do you like taking quizzes on the computer?
- A.
It's aight.
- B.
NO! I want essay tests!
- C.
Yes, I feel as though this format challenges both my intellect and my 21st Century skills, and I would therefore encourage HSE to go to an all-digital format.
- D.
I'd probably like quizzes if I paid more attention in class.
Correct Answer
C. Yes, I feel as though this format challenges both my intellect and my 21st Century skills, and I would therefore encourage HSE to go to an all-digital format.Explanation
The given answer suggests that the person enjoys taking quizzes on the computer because they feel that it challenges their intellect and 21st Century skills. They also express their support for transitioning to an all-digital format.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Oct 26, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Sep 29, 2011Quiz Created by
MissHabig