Let’s Get Medieval—Satire and Symbolism from The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales holds a mirror up to humanity; “The General Prologue” is a character study
that juxtaposes our social, moral, and religious roles with our individual desires of pride, vice, and power (just
to name a few. “The General Prologue’s genius is somewhat its style, but mainly it is its humanity—its ability
for characters from about 800 years ago to “mirror” universal human traits.
Assignment:

I. Creative Satire: Part of your assignment is to take one of the characters from Chaucer’s “Prologue” (at
random) and create a modern day equivalent. For example, you may say that the modern day example
of a knight is a highly ranking military officer, or a modern day Summoner (who uses institutional
authority for personal power and lechery) is a powerful Hollywood producer, or perhaps you think of
the Oxford Cleric as a “computer geek.”
1. Whatever you choose, you must create this character and write a thirty line poem describing your new
character. Your expected to use the same techniques of poetry, characterization, and satire that
Chaucer’s poem, while creating something new and unique.
a. make the physical appearance represent your character and satirical;
b. make your character representative of his/her profession, yet at the same time somewhat unique,
dynamic, and satirical;
c. satirize the mannerisms and habits that are emblematic of who they are;
d. make their clothing symbolic.
e. Your description must have the rhyme scheme AA/BB/CC/DD and should make an attempt at
iambic pentameter and enjambment.
f. Your poem, like Chaucer’s, may be narrative but it may also be written from your character’s
point of view (a dramatic monologue).
g. Be sure to correctly punctuate your poem.
h. Finally (very important): Using the “comment” feature in Word, explain the satirical devices
you’ve used towards your chosen character and how you’ve imitated the form of Chaucer’s
poem.

II. Analysis of Satire:

1. In a presentation to the class, teach the analysis of Chaucer’s character.

2. As part of your analysis, in outline format, write a formal analysis of Chaucer’s character (I’ll follow
this outline as you present to the class).
a. What institutions and human qualities is Chaucer satirizing through your character? See
example.
***Note: a major purpose of the latter 2 categories is to help your classmates understand Chaucer’s character
in greater detail through comparison/contrast to yours. With your help, the class will then do better on the
upcoming exam, go on to great careers, make lots of money, and remember you in their wills.
In sum, you need:
I. A thirty line poem about your character which
is a new model based on one of Chaucer’s characters; 30 points
II. A presentation and formal outline of character analysis (see example); 30 points

Due Date: December 5th 60 points

Geoffrey Chaucer Canterbury Tales Project—Example Outline Analysis of The Host

I. [Thesis] Contrary to the other characters in The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer hardly satirizes The Host; instead, Chaucer’s
Host represents the ideal form of government, one that is surprisingly egalitarian.
a. [Evidence/Concrete Detail/Quote]  When Chaucer mentions that “[he was] Bold in speech, and wise, and right well
taught (755),” he implies that the ideal government, like the Host, should be knowledgeable of people’s differences
and their behavior in addition to literally well taught.
i. [Analysis]  Unlike the narrator, The Host's "bold" outspoken nature and perceptiveness is adventageous is
social situations and leadership.
ii. [Analysis]Rather than attacking this difference of personality, Chaucer admires it because Chaucer
himself was a diplomat.
iii. [Analysis]
b. Through [quote]“_________________________________”,Chaucer’s Host also stresses the idea of balance in a
government leader.
i. [analysis] The Host is “as fine a burgher man (754),” which indicates that leaders of government do not
always have to come from the elite aristocracy, but may come from the other classes.
ii. Chaucer himself was middle class and improved his status…
c. Chaucer does use horatian satire in order to mock the Host’s interest in shallow entertainment, excessive
exaggeration, and need for attention when he writes…[quote]”________”
i. [analysis]