The Miller's Tale Book By Geoffrey Chaucer! Trivia Quiz
Welcome to the trivia quiz on the Miller's Tale book By Geoffrey Chaucer which tells us the story of a man whose wife is younger than him and his men drawn to her beauty. The main contenders for the wife's attention are two clerks. Take up this quiz and get to see just how much you can remember from the story.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What word is used eleven times to describe the activity of the character Nicholas (i.e. his epithet)? It's one word, Middle English.
Correct Answer
hendeExplanation
The word "hende" is used eleven times to describe the activity of the character Nicholas. This word is an epithet that is used in Middle English.Rate this question:
- 2.
What is the genre of the Miller's Tale? (One word, singular).
Correct Answer
fabliauExplanation
The genre of the Miller's Tale is fabliau. A fabliau is a medieval French genre of comic and often bawdy tales, typically involving clever tricks, deception, and humorous situations. The Miller's Tale fits this genre as it tells a humorous story involving infidelity, mistaken identity, and crude humor, with characters engaging in various schemes and tricks.Rate this question:
- 3.
What is the condition of the Miller in the prologue to his tale?
- A.
Angry
- B.
Drunk
- C.
Asleep
- D.
Embarrassed
Correct Answer
B. DrunkExplanation
In the prologue to his tale, the Miller is described as being drunk. This can be inferred from the fact that he constantly interrupts and makes inappropriate comments during the storytelling competition, which is a typical behavior associated with being intoxicated. Additionally, his speech is described as slurred and his behavior as rowdy, further indicating that he is under the influence of alcohol.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Generally the rule in courtly love is no touching.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because courtly love, a medieval European concept, emphasized a highly idealized and chaste form of love between a knight and a noblewoman. Physical contact was considered inappropriate and forbidden in courtly love, as it focused more on the emotional and spiritual aspects of love rather than the physical. This rule of no touching was a key characteristic of courtly love culture.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In medieval literature, 'ugly' people are usually virtuous because they lack the pretense and finery of upper-class characters.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. In medieval literature, the portrayal of characters as "ugly" does not necessarily imply their virtue. While it is true that lower-class characters were often depicted as more genuine and sincere compared to the upper-class characters who were portrayed as pretentious and adorned with finery, physical appearance alone does not determine a character's moral qualities. The virtue or lack thereof is determined by the actions and choices of the characters, not their physical appearance.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What/who does Nicholas tell John is coming to end the world?
- A.
Jesus Christ
- B.
Judgement Day
- C.
Flood
- D.
Apocalypse
Correct Answer
C. FloodExplanation
Nicholas tells John that the flood is coming to end the world. This refers to the biblical story of Noah's Ark, where God sent a great flood to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. The flood is seen as a catastrophic event that would bring about the end of the world as it was known, leading to a new beginning.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What qualities best define Absolon in the Miller's Tale? Check all that apply.
- A.
Beautiful hair
- B.
Beautiful voice
- C.
Beautiful clothes
- D.
The highest courtly manners
Correct Answer(s)
A. Beautiful hair
B. Beautiful voice
C. Beautiful clothesExplanation
Absolon in the Miller's Tale is described as having beautiful hair, a beautiful voice, and beautiful clothes. These qualities suggest that he takes great care in his appearance and is concerned with presenting himself in an attractive and refined manner. These traits align with the character of Absolon, who is depicted as a vain and pretentious individual. His beautiful hair, voice, and clothes contribute to his overall image as a courtly and fashionable man.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Miller's Tale is meant to be ... (check all that apply)
- A.
Bawdy
- B.
Inappropriate
- C.
Ridiculous
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bawdy
B. Inappropriate
C. RidiculousExplanation
The Miller's Tale is meant to be bawdy, inappropriate, and ridiculous. This can be inferred from the content and tone of the tale itself. The story contains explicit sexual references and humor, which can be considered bawdy and inappropriate by some. Additionally, the events and actions in the tale are often exaggerated and absurd, contributing to its overall ridiculousness.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does Absolon bring to Alison after she gives him the first kiss.
- A.
Meat pies
- B.
A song
- C.
A ring
- D.
A kiss
Correct Answer
C. A ringExplanation
After Alison gives Absolon the first kiss, he brings her a ring. This suggests that Absolon sees the kiss as a symbol of their love and commitment, and he wants to solidify their relationship by presenting her with a ring. The ring is likely meant to be a token of his affection and a promise of his loyalty to Alison.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The practical joke in the Miller's Tale, a necesary ingredient of the genre, is not especially elaborate in comparison to earlier French models.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that the practical joke in the Miller's Tale is actually quite elaborate compared to earlier French models. The Miller's Tale, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a fabliau, a genre known for its bawdy humor and practical jokes. In this tale, the character of Nicholas tricks John, the husband of his lover Alisoun, into believing that a great flood is coming. Nicholas convinces John to hang three large tubs from the ceiling to save themselves, but it is all a ruse. This prank involves detailed planning and execution, making it more elaborate than earlier French models.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 15, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 12, 2012Quiz Created by
Mcbrinep1
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