Questions about the Summoner=s Tale

Thinksheet question: How does the Summoner=s Tale Aquyte@ the Friar=s tale?

1. The Friar=s and Summoner=s Tales are clearly both part of a tradition of ecclesiastical satire. What exactly are the types of charges being leveled against church corruption? What is its nature? Locate specific passages to back up your assertions.

2. What is the Ainpossible@ (line 2231) Bthe problem of logic that Thomas poses to the Friar? How does the Squire answer this riddle? What does it mean that a Achurl@ has posed the problem?

3. In the Miller=s Tale, Jankyn=s fart is a joke, and plays on Absolon=s squeamishness. Do you think there may be a specific meaning to Thomas=s fart in this tale? Does it have any symbolic value?

4. How are the different classes portrayed in the tale? What are the types of relationships portrayed between the Friar and Thomas and his wife, and between these figures the lord?

5.Turn back to the portrait of the Summoner in the GP. What is the relationship between teller and tale?