The Canterbury Tales Practice Questions
20 free The Canterbury Tales practice questions for the English Literature, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Open any question below, or take the full set as an interactive quiz.
Questions
20 questions
All The Canterbury Tales questions
- Q1. What is the primary literary purpose of the 'General Prologue' in The Canterbury Tales?
- Q2. Which pilgrim is described as having a red face full of pimples (cherubim-faced), scaly brows, and a love for garlic, onions, and leeks?
- Q3. In 'The Wife of Bath's Tale,' what is the answer to the question: 'What is it that women most desire?'
- Q4. Which tale is a 'beast fable' that parodies epic poetry and explores themes of flattery and predestination?
- Q5. How many tales did Chaucer originally plan for each pilgrim to tell in his proposed structure?
- Q6. The 'Miller's Tale' and the 'Reeve's Tale' are examples of which literary genre characterized by bawdy humor and clever tricks?
- Q7. Which character in the 'Miller's Tale' is a parish clerk who tries to woo Alisoun with singing and incense but ends up 'kissing her eye' in the dark?
- Q8. What is the motto inscribed on the Prioress's gold brooch?
- Q9. Which pilgrim tells a tale about a patient wife named Griselda who endures extreme trials from her husband, Walter?
- Q10. In 'The Pardoner's Tale,' what do the three rioters find under the oak tree instead of Death?
- Q11. The 'Knight's Tale' is based on which work by the Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio?
- Q12. Which of the following characters is the son of the Knight and is described as a 'lusty bachelor' who sings and plays the flute all day?
- Q13. In 'The Franklin's Tale,' what 'magic' task must Aurelius perform to win the love of Dorigen?
- Q14. Which pilgrim is a 'master of the trade' who has a giant ulcer (mormal) on his shin?
- Q15. The 'Second Nun's Tale' is a hagiography recounting the life and martyrdom of which saint?
- Q16. What is the name of the 'alchemist's assistant' who joins the pilgrimage late and tells a tale about the deceptions of alchemy?
- Q17. In 'The Merchant's Tale,' who are the elderly husband and young wife whose story parodies the 'Garden of Eden'?
- Q18. Which pilgrim's tale is interrupted by the Host because it is considered 'doggerel' and 'drasty' rhyming?
- Q19. What is the subject of 'The Parson's Tale,' which concludes the journey?
- Q20. What is 'The Retraction' found at the very end of The Canterbury Tales?