Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Journal Prompts Part

Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Journal Prompts

• Part 1: Describe a situation where you and your family/friends tell stories. What kind of stories are told? In general, why do you think we tell stories? What do our stories say about us? What is your favorite family or friend story, or story about you that your family or friends tell?

• Part 2: While people don’t tend to go on pilgrimages today, we do travel a lot. Perhaps the best modern-day equivalent might be the road trip. Describe a road trip or other journey you’ve taken with a group of people. Did you get to know the other people with you better? Is there something particular about travel that reveals people’s characters?

Character Types • In “The Prologue, ” Chaucer makes use of various character types, such as the selfless hero, the honest common man, the cheerful innkeeper, who were probably familiar to members of Medieval English society, to tell his tale. • Imagine that you are writing a similar tale about contemporary, local life. Where would your characters journey to and why? Describe four or five character types you would use and their characteristics.

Self-characterization • If your peers were to describe you, what do you think would be your most notable character traits? Why?

Society • Society may change with the times, yet people remain pretty much the same. • Discuss whether or not you agree with the above statement; explain and give examples.