Chaucer III

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Welcome!

Road Map

• The Wife of Bath

13 February 2024 

Test on Chaucer 

The Canterbury Tales 

• Who are going to Canterbury and why?

Thomas Becket

• Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century
• Murdered in 1170
• Became a martyr defending the rights of the Church against the ruling monarch, Henry II. 

The pilgrims

• Tabard Inn - London
•  29 pilgrims from all stages of life, Chaucer among them
• Frame narrative - Boccacio

General Prologue

Chaucer introduces the huge variety of characters, the purpose of their journey and the contest that the Host of the Tabard Inn, Harry Bailey, sets up. 

The pilgrims

Their host: 'It's that you each, to shorten the long journey, shall tell two tales en route to Canterbury, and, coming homeward, tell another two .... Whoever acquits himself and tells the most amusing and instructive tale, shall have a dinner ... under this roof-tree, when we come back from Canterbury'. 

The Wife of Bath

• What is your first impression of her? 

Do

Read 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'

Do the assignments belonging to this tale. 

Answer in English, in full sentences.