The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer: A New Text With Illustrative Notes, Volume 3
#3 in The Canterbury Tales Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
This work has been selected by scholars as culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization. It was reproduced from the original artifact, remaining as true to the original work as possible, and is in the public domain in the United States and possibly other nations. It may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, and errant marks due to its nature as a historical artifact. Scholars believe it is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made available to the public. The preservation process is appreciated, helping to keep the knowledge alive and relevant.
Character compass
Harry Bailly (The Host)
Franklin
Squire
The Merchant
The Clerk
The Summoner
The Friar
The Wife Of Bath (Alison)
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to go on their pilgrimage in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
How do the stories told by the characters reflect their personalities and social positions?
Which tale did you find most interesting or surprising, and why?
What lessons do you think Chaucer wanted readers to take away from these tales?
How might these stories be different if they were set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each tale, give your child a brief overview of the character who tells the story. This will help them understand the context and motivations behind each tale.
Encourage your child to express which tales they liked or disliked and ask them to explain their reasons.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the tales. This can be a great opportunity to explore the medieval period together.
Link the themes or morals of the tales to your child’s everyday experiences to make the stories more relevant and engaging.
After finishing the book, ask your child to imagine their own tale that they could tell if they were one of the pilgrims. This encourages creativity and deeper understanding of the characters’ storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'The Nun's Priest's Tale', the rooster, Chauntecleer, is deceived by a fox but ultimately uses his wit to escape. The story highlights the consequences of deceit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest and the potential negative outcomes of deceiving others, reinforcing trustworthiness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: In 'The Pardoner's Tale', the greed of three men leads them to betrayal and death. The tale serves as a stark reminder of how greed can destroy relationships and lives.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand why it is important to value friendships and relationships over material gains, promoting generosity and selflessness.
Example Lesson: Value of humility
Explanation: In 'The Wife of Bath's Tale', the knight learns to place others' needs before his own, understanding the importance of humility and respect.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to respect others' opinions and needs, teaching them to behave humbly and considerately in social situations.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Clerk's Tale', Griselda faces numerous trials with patience and fortitude, demonstrating the strength of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This narrative can motivate children to remain determined and persistent when faced with challenges, whether in their academic pursuits or personal goals.