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Culture Documents
summary:
-- The prologue introduces the twenty-nine pilgrims who are on a
journey to the shrine of Thomas a Becket.
-- The pilgrims fall into the three medieval divisions of feudal
society: the feudal order, the church, and the merchant/professional
class.
-- The Host requires that each pilgrim tell two tales.
points to ponder:
summary:
-- Three men sit in a tavern and watch a coffin pass.
-- They learn that the dead body was murdered by a thief called
Death.
-- The three set out to kill Death and learn he is under a nearby
tree.
-- There they find some gold which they decide to steal.
-- The youngest goes into town for supplies while the other two
plot to kill him.
-- The two kill him upon his return and then drink the wine the
youngest poisoned while returning.
points to ponder:
summary:
-- A queen promises to spare the life of a sentenced knight if he
can discover what women want most.
-- The knight meets and an ugly old woman who promises him the
answer if he grants her a wish.
-- She tells him that women want power over men.
-- The old woman then demands that he marry her.
-- After he reluctantly agrees to marry her, she turns into a young
beautiful woman.
points to ponder:
What are some of the criticisms of women the Wife has?
(beginning with line 120)
What is your opinion on the old woman tricking the knight into
marriage?
How would you describe the knights personality?
Explain the old womans views on poverty beginning on line 555.
What is your opinion on her views?
What shows that the knight has matured at the end of the story?
What could be the main themes behind this story?
Is irony present in this story?
Federigos Falcon
summary:
concept:
Summary:
Points to Ponder
Plot review! What are the elements of plot? What are they in this story?
What might the objects in the Green Knights hand symbolize?
Why do you feel Sir Gawain accepts the challenge?
Why does he keep his promise? What does this show about him?
What does his refusal of the ladys advances show about his character?
What elements of romance are present in this story?
The Death of Arthur
summary:
-- Arthur has a dream that Sir Gawain warns him not to go to
war with his illegitimate son and enemy, Mordred.
-- As a treaty is about to be signed, a battle starts when a
knight is alarmed by a snake.
-- Arthur attacks Mordred, but Mordred mortally wounds him.
-- At first Bedivere does not throw Arthur's sword into the lake
becanse he wants to take it for his own.
-- A mysterious hand pulls the sword into the water as Arthur is
lead away on a barge with wailing women.
Points to Ponder:
How would you describe the Arthur's personality?
What are clues that the sword is magical?