Text: The Canterbury Tales
Author: Chaucer
Time Period: Medieval: Middle-English
Literary Focus: Framed narrative
Introduction:
This work is clearly one of the greatest medieval literary pieces. Connecting a variety of characters of different backgrounds, appearances, and stories, Chaucer articulates a single narrative that builds an overarching frame into his world.
As you read the tales, keep in mind the importantance that the tale is a framed narrative. Chaucer positions himself as the frame's narrator. By doing this, does this make the story more believable or less believable?
Below are helps that are listed in your text book. I encourage you to look at several of the links to get an overall feel & understanding of the author, work, and time period. Some of the sites are chock-full of info. Don't become overwhelmed. These are sites to direct you in your research of G.Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales. You don't need to read every single detail; you should read enough to have a grasp on the era and author.
Context Helps:
Author:
- Audio:
- Source 1-Librivox
- Source 2-VMI english professors reading Chaucer the way they believe it was pronounced. These are just snippets to get the sound in your ear.
- Medieval music - check out Pandora and search for Thomas Tallis.
- Art:
Historical Context:
- The first crusade link
- A general site with a LOT of info. link
DON'T forget: you can refer to cliff notes, spark notes, pink monkey notes, etc to help you understand the story line. They are there to AID the reading process. Below are some suggested questions you can ask yourself as you read to help understand the storyline.
- http://ajdrake.com/e211_spr_04/materials/authors/chaucer_sq.htm
Unit 2 Assignments:
Part 1:
1. Read the Canterbury Tales (selections pre-assigned) (Due 10/12 - 10/19)
2. Begin reading the context info. Write your author profile sheet (you can download a copy from the Reources page). (Author profile should be completed by 10/19. You will need to bring in what you've already compiled about the author to class next week. If you're typing the info, please share the doc via google docs.)
Part 2:
3. Choose a pilgrim. Using their voice & personality, write a letter to a friend telling about their journey, the pilgrims they've met and those pilgrims' stories. This should be done in a similar middle-english writing style. Due October 19.
Part 3:
750-word essay on:
"Compare the different functions of, attitudes toward, and/or adherence to Christian values in 2-4 of the pilgrims' tales. Consider the ways in which the pilgrim's life role and appearance compares to or contrasts with his/her actions and the story he/she tells." Due: October 26.
