LITWL 172

Week Six:

Mon., May 3: “Man of Law’s Tale” (Geisel reserve) Be prepared to answer question 1

Wed., May 5:  “Man of Law’s Tale” (Geisel reserve) Be prepared to answer question 3

Man of Law’s Tale

1. How is Custance (or Constance) characterized in this tale? How can we compare her to Belacane, Herzeloyde or Melior? Be specific in your points of comparison.

2. What type of tale is this? How would characterize it in terms of tone and content?

3. How is Islam portrayed in the tale? What are the relationships between Christians and Muslims? Who are representative Muslims? representative Christians? How does it compare to other texts we have read?

4. What is the significance of paleness/a white face in this text?

5. From where does Constance derive her strength and power?

6. What do you see as the symbolism of Custance’s rudderless boat?

7. Compare and contrast the portrayal of Muslims and pagans.

Prioress’s Tale

Fri., May 7: “Prioress’s Tale” (Geisel reserve) and Medieval Antisemitism

Lecture on Medieval Antisemitism—no quiz today

Mon., May 10: Prioress’s Tale” (Geisel reserve) and Medieval Antisemitism

For quiz, please be prepared to answer either questions 4 or 6.

1. What do you make of the tale’s setting in Asia? Does it make a difference to the rest of the tale? To the representations of Jews and Christians?

2. How are Jews represented? Christians? What are their differences and similarities?

3. Look at the Prioress’s opening Prologue. How does she portray herself? What are the affinities between the Prioress in GP and her Prologue and the little clergeon?

4. How does the maternal function in this tale? What are mothers like?

5. Why does Chaucer assign this tale to the Prioress? What is the relationship between teller and tale?

6. What kind of imagery do you find in this tale? Do you see patterns? How does imagery relate to theme?